Protesters in Mannar
Tamil protesters across the North-East staged demonstrations demanding justice and the arrest of the perpetrators for sexually abusing a 16-year-old domestic worker that had committed suicide by setting herself on fire.
Hishalini Jude was admitted to the Colombo National Hospital in early July and succumbed to her injuries 12 days later, with post-mortem reports revealing a history of sexual abuse. She had worked for MP and former minister Rishad Bathiudeen’s residence prior to her death.
Demonstrators urged Sri Lankan authorities to take action and ensure the safety of women and children across the country amidst rising incidents of abuse, harrassment and torture.
Peaceful protests organised by civil society groups, activists and locals, were carried out in multiple districts including Vavuniya, Mannar and Mullaitivu over the last few days.
Mannar
Protesters gathered in front of the Mannar District Secretariat to protest and raise awareness about violence against women and and children.
One protester said Hishalini’s story sparked a collective sense of grief and anger in Mannar. “We demand justice for Hishalini because the man we elected into parliament to protect our community failed to protect this girl in his home.”
She said the demonstration was about creating progressive change for a better future and ensuring children can live with dignity and free of violence.
The protest was organised by the Mannar Social and Economical Development Organization (MSEDO) with the Mannar Women's Awareness Association.
Mullaitvu
Protesters in Mullaitivu carried posters condemning the employment and abuse of children and demanding the arrest of Hislani’s perpetrators in front of the District Secretariat.
Mullaitivu Families of the Disappeared president Mariyasuresh Easwari, former Parliamentarian Shanthi Sriskantharajah, former Northern Provincial Council member Thurairasa Ravikaran, Pradeshiya Sabha member Sinnarasa Logeswaran were among those present at the demonstration.
Another demonstration took place on Tuesday was attended by children and women from four different villages in Puthukkudiyiruppu urging justice for Kishalini and an end to violence and abuse against women. Parliamentarian Vino Noharathalingam was in attendance.
A protest in Moongilaru was carried out today demanding justice for Kishalini and to bring an immediate end to domestic violence.
Vavuniya
Protesters gathered in front of the Vavuniya Gamini Maha Vidyalaya to highlight the abuse and violence of women and children in Sri Lanka following the death of Hishalini.
One protester said, “No matter gender, religion, no matter the employer, we stand with all victims of abuse.”
Tamil youth collected signatures for petitions demanding justice for Hishalini, and the protection of vulnerable boys and girls employed across the country. The petition addressed to the president stressed that it was the responsibility of the authorities to protect children and questioned the morality of employing minors.
Protests organised by the Vavuniya District Local Government Union and civil society groups continued on Monday, in front of the Vavuniya Old Bus Stand.
