The Dilemma of Female Child Sexual Abuse in Sri Lanka

The main objective of this study is to identify the nature of girl child sexual abuse (GCSA) in the Northwestern Province (NWP) of Sri Lanka. The specific objectives include examining the reasons for the increase in child sex abuse in NWP and proposing actions against child sex abuse. The research specifically focused on the Kurunegala District, analysing secondary data from 246 reported cases collected by the Women’s and Children’s Affairs Division (WCAD) of the Department of Labour, Sri Lanka. Using quantitative methods, data were processed and visualized using Microsoft Excel and ArcGIS, and the findings were summarized using descriptive statistical analysis. Results reveal that while the overall number of reported cases declined slightly between 2021 (132 cases) and 2022 (114 cases), specific police jurisdictions, such as Kurunegala, Wariyapola, and Welagedara, recorded notable increases. The major factors contributing to these incidents include increased exposure to modern technology, lack of digital literacy among parents, limited child awareness, parental negligence, and weakened student-teacher relationships. The study recommends implementing targeted awareness programs for children, parents, and teachers, enhancing community-based child protection measures, and strengthening local policing in high-risk areas. The findings underscore the urgent need for integrated preventive strategies to mitigate GCSA in rural Sri Lankan contexts.