Sri Lanka Launches Child-Friendly Justice System with EU & UNICEF

COLOMBO (News 1st);  In a landmark move to strengthen child protection and justice systems, the Ministry of Justice and National Integration and the Ministry of Women and Child Affairs, with support from the European Union through UNICEF, have launched a transformative model service to support children who have experienced violence.

Unveiled in Kandy, the initiative introduces a comprehensive, child-sensitive approach that ensures timely and coordinated support for child victims—from the moment a case is reported to the point of sustained care and protection.

The model service is designed to address long-standing gaps in Sri Lanka’s child protection framework and justice delivery mechanisms.

The new model includes six flagship reforms of both local and national significance:

Enhancement of the 1929 Child Helpline

Introduction of integrated case management

Strengthening of child support services

Acceleration of justice processes

Improved practices for child testimony

Establishment of child-friendly courts with dedicated witness rooms

One of the most notable innovations is the introduction of child-friendly courtrooms equipped with modern audio-visual technology.

The Kandy High Court now allows children to testify from a separate, age-appropriate room—minimizing trauma and operationalizing recent amendments to the Code of Criminal Procedure (June 2025).

“This is a turning point for Sri Lanka’s justice system. These services will ensure that children will have a voice in court without fear, protected by law, supported by technology, and treated with dignity. This is an important step towards specializing high courts for children,” said Minister of Justice Integration, Harshana Nanayakkara.

“By launching this new continuum of services, we are marking the beginning of a new way of protecting child victims of violence in Sri Lanka. By taking a coordinated, multi-sectoral approach, we aim to ensure that children receive quality justice and at the same time are able to access protection and welfare services – all delivered in a child-sensitive manner,” said Minister of Women and Children’s Affairs, Saroja Paulraj, emphasizing the importance of putting children at the heart of reforms.

While acknowledging Sri Lanka’s progress, Carmen Moreno, EU Ambassador to Sri Lanka, highlights the role of the JURE project: “Violence against children remains a serious concern and demands immediate action.  The European Union and UNICEF partnership, through the JURE project has been instrumental in translating the Government of Sri Lanka’s commitment to end violence against children into actions.  Today sets in motion a model of child-friendly services that will assist and support children victims of violence and bring them justice”.

Reinforcing this collective achievement, UNICEF Representative in Sri Lanka, Emma Brigham said, “Today, Sri Lanka is turning its global commitments into a tangible change for children. A holistic, coordinated, and child-centered system - one that integrates both protection and justice, ensures that children are safeguarded and supported to restore their lives. We welcome this transformative approach and look forward to seeing the roll-out of such services across the country.”

The launch marks a significant step toward fulfilling Sri Lanka’s obligations under its National Policy Framework and international commitments, including those made at the 2024 Bogotá Conference on Ending Violence Against Children.

Together, the Government of Sri Lanka, the European Union, and UNICEF are setting a new standard for child protection—one that places children’s rights, dignity, and wellbeing at the heart of justice.