A Judicial Training module on ‘Child Protection’ tested and developed in collaboration with UNICEF Sri Lanka, Save the Children in Sri Lanka and USAID was formally presented to the Chief Justice Asoka De Silva by officials of the Ministry of Justice and Law Reforms at a brief ceremony held in the Chambers of the Chief Justice, recently.

Explaining the background to the preparation of the Judicial Training Modules, Suhada Gamlath, Secretary to the Ministry of Justice, said that it was developed over a period of three years through a training programme that proved effective in promoting a more humane and child friendly approach to juvenile justice and care and protection issues. Gamlath explained that the Ministry is very keen to establish Children’s Courts in major locations throughout the country and rehabilitation centres that will assist children to regain their rightful places in society.

The Chief Justice expressed his appreciation for the work done to standardise judicial training and pledged his fullest support and cooperation in taking forward the agenda outlined by the Secretary.

These modules were developed to provide training on the legal principle ‘best interests of the child’ to all Magistrates dealing with children involved in criminal proceedings (as suspects, victims or children in need of care and protection in the island).