Life style

Believe the child says Dr Tush

Published

1 year ago

2025/02/2

Thilina Walpola

Dr Tush Wickramanayaka Chairperson, Stop Child Cruelty Trust Co-convener, Child Protection Alliance

By Zanita Careem

Sri Lanka has become an unsafe environment for women and children said Dr. Tushara Wickramanayake, fondly known as Tush.A family physician and founder, Chairperson of Stop Child Cruelty Trus. An old girl of Visakha Vidyalaya, she has been an active voice against all
forms of injustice on children and women from an early age. A General Physician, practicing in UK and Sri Lanka. Tush has worked in child welfare since Tsunami 2004 and became a passionate child rights advocate turning adversity to advocacy after her own 11 year
old daughter was subjected to corporal punishment andmental abuse in an International school in 2018. Spearheading a national campaign to end violence against children in Sri Lanka,Tush’s self-learning experience of the crippled child protection mechanism, indefatigable efforts in advocacy work, compassion and empathy in raising awarenesshas resulted in global recognition and historical achievements in a short period of time. Can you tell us about your experience working with children who have been affected by abuse?

Child abuse can be broadly categorized into physical abuse, sexual abuse, mental abuse and neglect. Physical abuse, cruelty, corporal punishment are the most common form of abuse in Sri Lanka and globally affecting 1.3 billion children each year. The complaints received on cruelty by the National ChildProtection Authority (NCPA) have trebled in ten years with 2238 cases reported in 2023.Sexual abuse, especially on-line abuse isincreasing rapidly. Whilst there may beinjuries and scars visible immediately after physical and sexual abuse, all forms of abuse affects the child mentally. But mental scars may not be obvious and may require years before a formal clinical diagnosis is made.

Therefore, mental abuse is often overlooked, their true effects amplifying years later into adulthood and cascades to the society. Often, the impact of abuse depends on the child’s own internal resilience and external support systems.For example, a child who is forced to kneel down maybe immune to it because it is normalised in his/her environment whilst another child maybe traumatized because it is unfamiliar in his/her surroundings. Irrespective of our own upbringing and prejudices we must endorse zero tolerance of any form of abuse against children growing up in the 21st century.

How do you handle situations where you suspect abuse but don’t have concrete evidence?

The first and simple golden rule is BELIEVE the child. 90% of child abuse occurs within the home environment, perpetrated by people whom the child loves and trusts. Most of the time, the abuse occurs for years, maybe even known to some adults and ignored because they are afraid of the scandal this may reveal or crippled by the power hierarchy. If the child mentions anything untoward try not to dismiss the child or defend the alleged perpetrator in the intention of saving the family name, school name or reputation of the person. Children may show symptoms of abuse, which may be subtle – becoming quiet and withdrawn, spends more time in seclusion, avoids things they normally enjoy, refusal of school, spends more time on devices, eating/sleeping disturbances,

substance abuse, mood changes including anger and anti-social behaviour, risk taking behaviours like staying out too late or disappearing without informing parents, joining new clicks of friends, etc. The best way to ensure your child comes to you as the first port of call if they are in trouble is to have a healthy parent child communication without persecution or blame. If the child feels they can make mistakes without being penalized,they will be forthcoming and transparent. Encourage your child to follow the traffic light system from the age that they can walk and talk to Red – shout, Orange – run and Green – tell someone they trust. Introduce a security ring where the child identifies 2/3 adults whom they trust. It can be parents, teachers, grandparents, elderly siblings, etc.Always remember the first and last step is to BELIEVE the child.

What was most rewarding and what was most challenging about working with child victims of abuse?

The globally accepted term is “survivor” of child abuse because victimizing someone is disempowering them. The most rewarding is when the child is able to overcome the trauma and be able to function at the highest individual capacity they consider as being normal for them. This could even be as simple as waking up and getting to school consistently. The most challenging has been to deal with the bureaucratic lethargy in finding the care, support and justice in the State mechanisms. Once the child is removed from the immediate risk, we need to consider the safest and healthiest option.

This requires a multi-disciplinary approach with the family unit at the heart of the solution because research has shown that chances of a child thriving within a caring family are more than under institutionalised care. Aligned with this are relevant input form education, health, justice, rehabilitation, social and caregiver support. Caregiver support includes education, economic and mental support, which is often neglected whilst focusing on the child.

Can you describe a difficult case you have worked on and how you handled it?

The most recent was a case of two sisters, aged 17 and 14 years who were suspected of being sexually harassed by the father in a remote village. Although there was no conclusive evidence of actual sexual abuse the stories from the girls were convincing for me to take immediate action. The mother was a labourer on meagre allowance whilst the father was the main provider. The police were being influenced by the father and his connections, a not too unfamiliar scenario in maintaining law and order in Sri Lanka. We filed a case in court requesting restricted access to the father and full guardianship for the mother. I tried valiantly to get them to a government safe home but failed. The father followed them around and kept on physically harassing the family.

The next thing I did was to find a higher paying job that gave the mother some financial independence. She found a relative in the area who helped them to relocate. Even changing schools was an issue because the father objected for the old school to provide the leaving certificate as he had signed their admission forms. The school authorities were paralysed by his threats. I had to write to the Education authorities alerting them of acting in contrary to court orders and violating the basic education rights of the children; after months of exchanging correspondence, the girls were enrolled in the best school in the region where they are excelling now with counselling support. After one year, they still keep in touch with me, share their achievements and we hope to meet them personally when they come to Colombo soon.

What is your understanding of child protection?

Many are confused by these terms: Child Safeguarding – encompasses broader preventive measures within the organization. It refers to actions that address how business operations and work practices impact children’s welfare. The purpose is to prevent harm before it occurs. The key actions are implementing policies, training staff and promoting safe practices. It is applied continuously as a proactive approach and has collective responsibility. Example: Conducting risk assessment in the prospective service delivery points.

Child Protection – is an important part of safeguarding and refers to the actions an organization takes to address a specific concern that a particular child is at risk of significant harm due to her contact with staff, family, etc. The purpose is to intervene when children are at immediate risk and prevent further The key actions are investigating cases, providing support, reporting mechanisms and ensuring safety of vulnerable children. It is applied after harm occurred and shared by everyone much wider.

For example reporting cases and providing psychosocial support to a child who has been physically abused. Child Protection Programs – these are specific initiatives designed to address child protection issues to protect children through targeted interventions. Advocacy programs to lobby parliament to pass the Bill on abolishing corporal punishment. The safeguarding mechanisms are non-existent in Sri Lanka with no systematic Child Protection policies either. Hence, the child protection programs are inconsistent elevating child abuse as a top five grave crime according to the annual grave crimes report by Sri Lanka police of 2023.

What are the current child protection mechanisms in Sri Lanka and how does it compare to the rest of the world?

Sri Lanka ratified the UN Convention of the Rights of the Child (UNCRC) in 1991. There are 45 articles but even if we can’t remember them all, just remember Article 3, ‘in the best interest of the child’. Despite the cabinet approving the National Child Protection Policy in 2019, the NCPA has failed to implement it to date. Likewise, there are many laws and regulations that are not being implemented effectively, especially Ministry of Education Circular forbidding physical punishment of students in schools. It is ironic that although in 2017 Sri Lanka was honoured by being the only South Asian path-finding country focused ending violence against children,

the National Partnership to End Violence Against Children (NPEVAC) collapsed in 2018 and we have been lethargic to introduce legal reforms to end corporal punishment,
the most common form of child abuse. Due to absence of safeguarding policies and mechanisms there is a high incidence of abuse occurring within schools and care homes under Probation and Childcare Services. As none of the governments elected have even acknowledged child welfare as the core of the national political agenda, such abuse can be con For example in UK, a ten year old girl child was abused and murdered by her parents in August 2023.

The perpetrators were arrested, the criminal court case was concluded in December 2024 and the accused were given life imprisonment sentences. In contrast, in Sri Lanka, a 15/16 year old girl was allegedly sexually abused in a politician’s home and died after severe burn injuries in July 2022 but the investigations remain incomplete and no indictments have been filed to date. The Auditor General’s Report of 2022 concluded there are over 40,000 cases of child abuse backlogged at the NCPA and Attorney General’s Department. This is a national tragedy.

What are the three things that the government can implement immediately to improve the child protection crisis?

Appointment of a Presidential Task Force for children Provide additional budget allocation for education and child welfare Finalise the legislative process, particularly the Bill on Penal Code Reforms to Abolish Corporal Punishment, which was passed in Cabinet in September 2024. We hope the new government will present this Bill to parliament.

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Life style

The last kings of the wilderness: vanishing tuskers

Published

4 days ago

2026/05/24

Thilina Walpola

In the vast dry-zone wilderness of Sri Lanka, where ancient reservoirs mirror crimson sunsets and monsoon winds whisper through forests untouched for centuries, there still roams a giant who has become both legend and symbol.

His name is Mahasen — perhaps the most celebrated wild tusker Sri Lanka has ever known.

To wildlife enthusiasts, photographers, researchers, and villagers across the North Central Province, Mahasen is not merely an elephant. He is the living embodiment of Sri Lanka’s ancient wilderness, a reminder of a time when giant tuskers ruled the forests that surrounded the island’s great hydraulic civilisation.

Secretary and Chief Coordinator of Wild Tuskers of Sri Lanka, Chandika Lakmal, describes Mahasen as “one of the greatest living treasures of Sri Lanka’s natural heritage.”

“When people see Mahasen, they are not simply looking at a wild elephant,” he said.

“They are witnessing history, culture, ecology, and wilderness all combined into one magnificent animal. Tuskers like Mahasen are extremely rare, and losing such an elephant would mean losing a part of Sri Lanka’s identity itself.”

Sri Lanka has long shared a sacred bond with elephants. Ancient kings regarded tuskers as symbols of sovereignty and divine authority.

From the kingdoms of Anuradhapura and Polonnaruwa to the Kandyan era, elephants marched beside rulers during ceremonies and wars alike. Within Buddhist culture, elephants became revered symbols of strength, wisdom, and spiritual purity.

Yet among all elephants, the tusker has always occupied a special place.

Unlike African elephants, only a very small percentage of male Asian elephants develop tusks. This makes Sri Lankan tuskers exceptionally rare. Over centuries, they became deeply embedded in folklore, temple art, and village legends.

Mahasen stands today as perhaps the finest surviving example of that ancient legacy.

Mahasen, one of Sri Lanka’s most iconic wild tuskers, photographed during his majestic prime in 2014 and in 2025 as the ageing giant continues his struggle for survival in the island’s shrinking wilderness

The legendary tusker was first photographed in 2002 by renowned wildlife photographer Vajira Wijegunawardena. During those early years, wildlife enthusiasts referred to him as the “Somawathiya Tusker” because he was frequently sighted around the floodplains near Somawathiya before travelling towards Minneriya and Kaudulla during the season of the great elephant gathering.

Later, the giant elephant was named Mahasen in honour of the ancient King Mahasen, the visionary ruler who built the magnificent Minneriya Tank. The name reflected not only strength and majesty, but also a deep connection to the same historic landscape shaped by kings, forests, and elephants thousands of years ago.

Today, Mahasen is believed to be around 60 years old, making him one of the oldest surviving wild tuskers in Sri Lanka. Towering above most elephants, he possesses perhaps the largest pair of tusks ever documented among Sri Lanka’s wild elephants, stretching beyond six feet in length.

For decades, Mahasen became one of the greatest attractions of the famous elephant gathering at Minneriya National Park and Kaudulla National Park — one of the largest congregations of Asian elephants anywhere in the world.

Photographers from across the globe waited patiently for hours hoping to capture the old king emerging from the dusty grasslands, at dusk, his enormous tusks glowing beneath the golden evening light. For many wildlife lovers, witnessing Mahasen in the wild became an unforgettable experience.

“Mahasen carries an extraordinary presence,” Chandika Lakmal explained. “Even among large elephants, he stands apart. There is a certain calmness, confidence, and dignity in the way he moves. You immediately understand why ancient people considered tuskers sacred.”

Yet beyond his beauty and fame, Mahasen also represents the fragile future of Sri Lanka’s elephants.

Modern conservation science identifies elephants as “keystone species” and “umbrella species,” meaning their survival protects entire ecosystems. Elephants create pathways through forests, disperse seeds, maintain grasslands, and help sustain biodiversity across vast landscapes.

“Elephants are ecosystem engineers,” Chandika Lakmal said. “The forest itself depends on them. Without elephants, the structure of these ecosystems begins to change. Protecting tuskers, like Mahasen, means protecting entire habitats and countless other species.”

Sadly, Sri Lanka’s wild elephants now face mounting threats.

Habitat fragmentation, shrinking forests, electric fences, roads, railway accidents, illegal shootings, and human-elephant conflict continue to endanger their survival.

Nearly 60 percent of Sri Lanka’s wild elephants live outside protected national parks, surviving within fragmented forests and ancient tank ecosystems increasingly surrounded by human settlements.

Traditional elephant migration corridors that existed for centuries have now been blocked by agriculture and development projects. As elephants lose access to food and water, they are increasingly forced into villages and farmlands, creating dangerous encounters between humans and wildlife.

Even Mahasen has not escaped these pressures.

In recent years, the ageing tusker’s movements have become increasingly restricted. Wildlife observers believe the enormous weight of his tusks, combined with old age, has forced him into smaller forest patches between Kakirawa and Maradankadawala where food and water are available within shorter distances.

Several months ago, Mahasen was discovered with a serious wound on his back believed to have been caused either by a gunshot injury or a clash with another elephant. Wildlife officials intervened quickly and treated the giant tusker, offering hope that he would recover once again.

However, concern continues to grow among conservationists and wildlife enthusiasts as sightings of Mahasen have become increasingly rare in recent months.

For many Sri Lankans, the thought of losing Mahasen is deeply emotional.

“Mahasen is not just another elephant,” Chandika Lakmal said quietly. “He is one of the last living symbols of Sri Lanka’s ancient wilderness. Future generations deserve the chance to see such animals alive in our forests, not only in photographs or history books.”

Despite his immense ecological and cultural importance, many villagers living near elephant habitats still struggle with fear and economic hardship caused by crop raids and property damage.

Conservationists stress that long-term coexistence can only be achieved through proper land-use planning, protection of elephant corridors, community awareness, and sustainable conservation policies.

Across the forests of Yala National Park, Wilpattu National Park, Gal Oya National Park, and Wasgamuwa National Park, Sri Lanka’s remaining tuskers continue their silent struggle against an uncertain future.

But among them all, Mahasen remains special.

He is more than an old tusker wandering through fading forests.

He is the last king of a vanishing wilderness.

And as long as Mahasen still walks beneath the ancient trees of Sri Lanka’s dry zone, the spirit of the island’s wild heritage continues to survive majestic, untamed, and unforgettable.

By Ifham Nizam

Life style

Stars shine bright

Published

4 days ago

2026/05/24

Thilina Walpola

Leading figures from the industry graced the ‘Tharulya’ Muhurat ceremony

An auspicious beginning for ‘Tharulya’

The Muhurath ceremony of ‘Tharulya’ the newest teledrama directed by Sudarma Jayewardena, was held in a graceful setting at Waters Edge recently, bringing together artistes, television personalities and invited guests from the entertainment industry.

The auspicious occasion marked the official beginning of the much-awarded teleseries, with the lighting of the traditional oil lamp adding colour and glamour to the evening.

Cast members and crew joined Sudarma in celebrating the launch while industry well-wishers extended their support for the production.

Sudarma is known for her emotionally rich story telling and distinctive creative touch. When asked about her new tele-serial, she expressed optimism ‘Tharulya’ is expected to bring a fresh narrative to the local television audiences. For her ‘Tharulya’ can be described as a reflection of dreams, emotions and human relationships, woven into meaningful teledrama narratives. The word ‘Tharulya’ evokes a poetic sense of stars, hope and destiny, symbolising the journeys and emotional bonds explored through the story.

Sudarma Jayewardena is known for her work as a actress, director, producer and creative visionary behind several acclaimed teledramas. Over the years she has build a reputation for presenting emotionally layered stories that explore family dynamics, social realities, women’s experiences and human relationships with sensitivity and depth .

Her teledramas are known for strong story telling, refined casting and cinematic production.

The teledrama, ‘Ganga Adare’, directed by Sudarma, is among the well known television production.

This tele-series became popular on the small screen for its emotional story telling, strong character development and family centred narrative style that resonated with Sinhala TV audiences.

Sudarma’s involvement in musical events, like ‘Sonu Nigam,’ highlighted her versatility beyond teledramas, showcasing her ability to create large scale entertainment events that combined glamour, culture and audience appeal.

Sudharma, who is no stranger in the entertainment industry, is the Managing Director of Star Events. ‘Tharulya’ was produced by Saranga Mendis. This much talked about teleserial is all set to unspool on Derena TV.

Beyond teledramas , Sudarma also contributed to musical and entertainment programmes, expanding her influence within Sri Lanka’s media industry. Her productions are often noted for their polished presentation and emotional story telling. (Zanita) Pix by Thushara Attapathu

: Smile,glamour and anticipation for the young star

: Powerful performances expected as he steps into a key role

: Moments from the launch

: Soulful voice adds magic

: Creativity in motion as Director Sudarma Jayewardena leads the cast with her spouse

: Invited guests marked the launch

Life style

Sri Lanka and Viet Nam soar into a new era of co-operation

Published

4 days ago

2026/05/24

Thilina Walpola

Landmark visit celebrating diplomacy, connectivity and growing economic partnerships

Air Bridge of Friendship

The state visit of the Party Secretary and State President, To Lam of Viet Nam, to Sri Lanka, heralds a defining moment in bilateral relations, where diplomacy and aviation converge in a new era of connectivity. With the launch of Viet Nam air services, linking the two nations, the partnership soars behind traditional statecraft -opening a seamless corridors for tourism, trade and cultural exchange between South and South East Asia.

My interview with the Ambassador for Viet Nam in Sri Lanka, Trinh Thi Tam, went as follows:

(Q) How significant is the State visit to Sri Lanka by Party General Secretary and State President To Lam?

(A)Party General Secretary and State President To Lam’s visit to Sri Lanka is highly significant as it takes place when the two countries have just celebrated 55 years of diplomatic relations in 2025. Viet Nam is the first ASEAN members to visit Sri Lanka, and is also the first ASEAN country that President Anura Kumara Dissanayake visited after assuming office. More, importantly, both sides agreed to elevate bilateral ties to a Comprehensive Partnership on this occasion, opening a new chapter for cooperation in politics, trade, tourism, culture, education, and connectivity. The visit reflects the strong mutual trust and the shared determination to deepen cooperation in the years ahead.

(Q) Viet Nam and Sri Lanka share centuries old Buddhist links. How can these spiritual and cultural ties be transformed into stronger people-to-people tourism?

(A) Viet Nam and Sri Lanka share centuries-old Buddhist and cultural links, which create a very strong foundation for closer people-to-people relations. These spiritual ties can be transformed into stronger tourism cooperation through Buddhist pilgrimage tours, exchanges between temples and universities, cultural festivals, and tourism promotion programmes. Increased air connectivity and easier travel arrangements will also encourage more visitors to explore each other’s cultural heritage and strengthen mutual understanding between the two peoples.

(Q) Direct flights between Colombo and Ho Chi Minh City has generated great excitement in Sri Lanka. How important is this milestone for tourism and bilateral relations?

Proud moment for Ambassador Trinh Thi Tam

(A) The launch of direct flights between Colombo and Ho Chi Minh City by Viet Nam Airlines (national carrier) and Viet Jet (a private airline) is a historic milestone for bilateral relations. It not only shortens travel time but also creates new opportunities for tourism, trade, investment, business cooperation as well as people-to-people and cultural exchange. This achievement comes at a very meaningful moment, following the establishment of the Comprehensive Partnership, demonstrating the commitment of both countries to enhance practical cooperation and strengthen connectivity between Southeast Asia and South Asia.

(Q) Do you think this direct flight will significantly increase Vietnamese tourist arrivals to Sri Lanka within the next few years?

(A) Yes, we believe the direct flights will significantly increase Vietnamese tourist arrivals to Sri Lanka over the next few years. Sri Lanka is becoming increasingly attractive to Vietnamese travellers because of its beautiful beaches, Buddhist heritage, natural landscapes, and hospitality. Easier connectivity and tourism promotion activities will help more Vietnamese people discover Sri Lanka. We also expect stronger two-way tourism exchanges, contributing positively to economic cooperation and people-to-people relations between the two countries.

(Q) Do you see Colombo becoming a stronger regional hub connecting Viet Nam with the Indian Ocean region?

(A) Colombo has great potential to become a stronger regional hub connecting Viet Nam with South Asia and the Indian Ocean region. Sri Lanka’s strategic geographic location, combined with improving connectivity and growing economic cooperation, can help facilitate trade, tourism, logistics, and maritime cooperation. Following the establishment of the Comprehensive Partnership, Viet Nam sees many opportunities to work more closely with Sri Lanka in regional connectivity initiatives and strengthen economic links between Southeast Asia and the Indian Ocean region.

(Q) Viet Nam and Sri Lanka have enjoyed decades of friendly relations. What makes this partnership unique in Asia?

Proud moment for Ambassador Trinh Thi Tam

Trinh Thi Tam played a key role in celebrating the historic visit

(A) The Viet Nam–Sri Lanka partnership has been built on longstanding friendship, mutual trust, and deep cultural connections rather than only economic interests. The two countries have consistently supported each other over many decades and share common values regarding independence, peace, and international cooperation. President Ho Chi Minh, Viet Nam’s Nation Father, stopped over in Sri Lanka on three occasions. Vietnamese people has always treasured the strong, unconditional support offered by Sri Lankan people during our hard struggle against imperialism and colonialism. The recent elevation of bilateral ties reflects the maturity of this relationship and the shared vision to expand cooperation across many sectors in a sustainable and balanced manner.

(Q) How does Viet Nam view Sri Lanka’s role with South Asia and the Indian Ocean together?

(A) Viet Nam highly values Sri Lanka’s important role in South Asia and the Indian Ocean region. Sri Lanka’s strategic location and historical role as a maritime and commercial centre make it an important partner for regional connectivity and economic cooperation. With Sri Lanka’s keen interest in engaging more with ASEAN (Regional Comprehensive Economic Parnership ) Viet Nam believes Sri Lanka can play an even stronger role in connecting South Asia and Southeast Asia, especially in trade, tourism, logistics and maritime cooperation.

(Q) How would you describe the current diplomatic relationship between Viet Nam and Sri Lanka after the Party General Secretary and State President’s visit?

(A) Following the visit, the diplomatic relationship between Viet Nam and Sri Lanka can be described as stronger, more dynamic, and more future-oriented. The establishment of the Comprehensive Partnership demonstrates the high level of political trust and creates a solid framework for expanding cooperation in many important sectors, including trade, investment, tourism, education, digital transformation, agriculture, and cultural exchanges between the two countries.

(Q) After the Party General Secretary and State President, what is your vision for Viet Nam-Sri Lanka relations over the next decade?

(A) Over the next decade, we hope Viet Nam–Sri Lanka relations will develop into a stronger, broader, and more practical partnership under the framework of the Comprehensive Partnership. We expect deeper cooperation in trade, tourism, connectivity, digital economy, education, renewable energy, agriculture, and maritime cooperation. At the same time, people-to-people exchanges and cultural cooperation will continue to grow, creating a solid foundation for long-term friendship and mutual prosperity between the two countries.

(Q) What message does Viet Nam wish to send to Sri Lanka and South Asian Region through the visit?

(A) Through the Party General Secretary and State President’s visits to India and Sri Lanka, Viet Nam wishes to send a strong message of friendship, cooperation, and shared development to Sri Lanka and the wider South Asian region. The visits demonstrates Viet Nam’s commitment to strengthening partnerships in South Asia and promoting peace, stability, connectivity, and economic cooperation in the Indo-Pacific region.