An article published by BBC Sinhala has triggered a response from NPP MP Lakmali Hemachandra, who says she will raise a privilege issue in Parliament over the report.
The article focused on a discussion held by the Parliamentary Women MPs’ Caucus regarding a case involving the alleged sexual abuse of a minor girl and reported that concerns had been raised over the conduct of the National Child Protection Authority (NCPA) and the police investigation.
During the discussion, Hemachandra reportedly criticised the conduct of the NCPA and defended the police, who have faced criticism from several quarters over their handling of the case. According to the article, she questioned statements made by NCPA officials in court regarding the police investigation and challenged claims that authorities had to push the police into arresting the suspect. She had also reportedly argued that investigators required sufficient evidence before making an arrest and that there was nothing unusual about the time taken to carry out the arrest.
The article further stated that NCPA officials defended their actions, saying it was their statutory responsibility to intervene when necessary to ensure justice for the victim.
The meeting was attended by senior police officers, NCPA representatives, officials from the Attorney General’s Department and other state institutions.
When contacted by BBC Sinhala, Hemachandra said the discussion was held with the objective of ensuring the safety and welfare of the child and stressed that she did not wish to politicise a case involving a minor. She also said all relevant institutions had been advised and that the focus should remain on securing justice and protection for the child.
Following publication of the article, Hemachandra took to social media, alleging that the journalist had created a “false narrative” about a discussion that took place in Parliament using “malicious information” targeting the caucus and women MPs.
“I will be raising a privilege issue about this article,” she said in the post. (Newswire)
Full BBC Sinhala report : https://www.bbc.com/sinhala/articles/c621g9e5ek2o
