Page 23 - KDU INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF CRIMINAL JUSTICE

KDU International Journal of Criminal Justice (KDUIJCJ)
Volume I | Issue II| July 2024

each time she complained and refused to function at a particular
workplace. During the first wave of the Pandemic, her employer wished

to get rid of her, stating she was underage to be kept as a maid. They

contacted the Police who refused to take down the complaint or provide
any assistance. The Government run orphanages were not admitting new

children due to the Pandemic situation. The National Child Protection

Authority did not move in the matter. Women’s Organisations then found
a shelter where they took her in after a medical examination at a nearby

hospital. Geeta started preparing for her Ordinary Level Examination. A

Funder provided her a Tutor, books and stationery. She was studying day
and night. At her court case the Judge asked the Probation Officer as to

where Geeta should be placed. Geeta was sent to a Remand Home and her
studies were disrupted.
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A report published by UNICEF highlights that only 40.2% of children are
in school by the age of 17. Geetha who was dragged out of school to earn

for her family belong to the 59.8% of school drop outs in Sri Lanka. The
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Teachers who have had limited training in terms of both subject and
pedagogy skills are not competent and committed to enlighten and advise

parents such as those of Geeta on the importance of staying in school and
the value and benefits of education. It is deplorable that there was no

Child Friendly Policy during the Pandemic. The Department of Probation

and Child Care Services were unsure as to how to deal with new
admissions during the first wave and conveniently shut the doors of its

10 The duties and functions of a Sri Lankan Probation Officer are akin to that of a Social
Worker in other jurisdictions
11 Education for Adolescents, UNICEF Sri Lanka < http://www.unicef.org> accessed on 6
th
June 2022
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