Lessons: The Good Shepherd Convent Scandal in Nuwara Eliya

The recent events at Good Shepherd Convent, Nuwara Eliya have sparked significant concerns about the treatment of students in schools. The arrest of Rev. Sister Mary Nilanka De Silva, accused of assaulting multiple Grade 11 students on 10th October 2024, has highlighted the issues surrounding corporal punishment in schools and the need for better oversight, despite the legal frameworks prohibiting corporal punishment [Full Story]. Incidents like this expose how such guidelines are inadequately enforced, leading to widespread abuse that often remains unaddressed.

The situation also reveals deeper, systemic issues, such as the intimidation of law enforcement and lack of response from key authorities, like the Ministry of Education and the Roman Catholic Church. As the public, media, and independent organizations like the United Human Rights Organization push for justice, the parallels to movements like #MeToo are evident, as survivors of abuse are finally stepping forward, demanding accountability. [Image: Faculty members and students gathered at a school assembly. Source: Facebook]

Note: For those who have concerns regarding human rights violations, you can contact the United Human Rights Organization at 070-5050606 or email them at [email protected]. They are available to assist and address any issues you may have.

Legal and Ethical Responsibility in Schools

Despite Section 4 of Circular No. 12/2016 prohibiting corporal punishment in schools, the case of Rev. Sister Mary Nilanka De Silva highlights the inadequacy of these protections. The recent remand order by Magistrate Prabuddhika Lankangani reflects a rare instance of accountability in a system where many abuse cases remain unaddressed. This incident emphasizes the urgent need for stronger legislative measures to ensure that corporal punishment is explicitly outlawed and that violators face immediate, effective consequences. Stricter regulations, such as mandatory reporting and transparent investigative processes, could deter abuses and better protect students. Without these changes, schools may continue to compromise children’s safety and well-being, allowing abusive behaviours to persist unchecked. Enhanced enforcement of existing laws is vital for safeguarding students’ rights and ensuring that those in positions of authority are held accountable for their actions.

Moreover, the absence of institutional support for parents who filed complaints—only to be advised to withdraw their children—highlights the ethical failures of those tasked with safeguarding students. Legal protections without enforcement simply enable abusive behaviours. Much like the #MeToo movement, where silence perpetuated abuse, the Zonal Education Department’s inaction reflects the consequences of systemic neglect. Education reforms must prioritize creating an environment where abuse is neither ignored nor tolerated, fostering a school system that respects children’s rights and welfare. This requires implementing robust mechanisms for reporting and addressing abuse and ensuring accountability for those in positions of authority. It’s only then we can hope to protect vulnerable students and promote a culture of safety and respect within educational institutions.

Note: Despite the lack of action in previous cases, the Zonal Education Office in Nuwara Eliya indicted Rev. Sister Mary Nilanka De Silva on October 20, 2024.

Physical & Psychological Impact on Victims

The physical trauma endured by students, exemplified by the case of the student hospitalized for back injuries, highlights the devastating effects of physical abuse in schools. Allegations of suicide attempts and ongoing harassment illustrate not only the immediate physical injuries but also the profound long-term psychological damage. This trauma often manifests in various forms, including behavioural issues, anxiety, and depression, significantly impacting the student’s mental health. In this particular instance, the abuse resulted in severe physical symptoms that further complicated the recovery process. Such scars can linger long after the abuse has stopped, affecting the student’s overall quality of life and ability to thrive academically and socially. Addressing these psychological ramifications is essential to fostering a safe and supportive educational environment for all students.

The parallels to the #MeToo movement are striking: survivors of both physical and emotional abuse contend with stigma, silence, and victim-blaming. Victims not only endure direct trauma but also face ridicule and disbelief from peers and faculty, as evidenced by the social media backlash against students who dared to speak out. Such reactions perpetuate a toxic culture, where victims are shamed instead of receiving the support they desperately need. To combat this environment, educational institutions must prioritize mental health resources and establish robust support systems. Additionally, implementing a zero-tolerance policy for abuse is crucial to fostering a safe atmosphere that promotes the mental well-being of all students. By actively addressing these issues, schools can create a more compassionate and understanding environment that empowers victims rather than silencing them.

Institutional Accountability and Oversight

The reluctance of the Nuwara Eliya police to act until pressured by a prominent lawyer, according to unconfirmed sources highlights serious flaws in institutional oversight. The inaction of the local education department, coupled with the Roman Catholic Church’s silence, exemplifies a broader failure to safeguard students, allowing an environment where abuse can continue unchecked. Such negligence raises critical concerns about the effectiveness of protective measures intended to ensure student safety. To prevent similar incidents, oversight bodies must prioritize swift action on reports of abuse. Establishing protocols that ensure officials respond promptly and take allegations seriously is essential for fostering accountability. By prioritizing students’ safety over institutional reputation, educational institutions can restore trust and create a safe atmosphere where students can thrive without fear of abuse, ensuring their overall well-being and rights are protected.

Similar to the #MeToo movement, where organisational complicity frequently protected abusers, the Good Shepherd Convent case reveals how entrenched authority figures can evade accountability. The failure to act against allegations of abuse underscores the need for educational institutions to implement strong and transparent oversight mechanisms. It is crucial to create systems where reports of misconduct are taken seriously and investigated promptly, free from undue influence or intimidation. Accountability requires that institutions actively encourage victims to come forward and assure them of their safety throughout the reporting process. By fostering a culture of transparency and responsibility, schools can better protect students and ensure that those who perpetrate abuse are held accountable for their actions, ultimately promoting a safer and more supportive educational environment for all.

Community Response and Barriers to Justice

The community’s reaction, which includes threats against parents, journalists, and former students who revealed the abuse, highlights the significant social challenges victims encounter when seeking justice within faith-based institutions. This backlash against whistleblowers illustrates the complex dynamics at play in addressing abuses in tightly knit religious communities, where safeguarding the institution often overshadows the pursuit of justice for victims. Victims not only face the trauma of abuse but also the added burden of hostility from their own community when they come forward. This environment of intimidation and fear discourages others from speaking out, perpetuating a cycle of silence and complicity. To foster a culture of accountability and support, religious institutions need to prioritize the well-being of victims and promote an atmosphere where individuals can safely report misconduct without fear of retribution.

This community’s resistance to accountability mirrors the #MeToo movement, where survivors often faced backlash for their bravery in speaking out. The backing from the United Human Rights Organization and independent journalists such as Mr. R. F. M. Suhel plays a crucial role in countering these oppressive reactions, empowering victims to seek justice. Their advocacy provides a lifeline for those affected, encouraging them to share their experiences without fear. To create a more supportive environment for victims of abuse, it is essential to protect whistleblowers and establish safe reporting channels within these communities. By prioritizing the voices of survivors and fostering a culture that values transparency and accountability, we can help dismantle the silence that often surrounds abuse, ultimately enabling victims to reclaim their narratives and pursue justice without the threat of intimidation or retribution.

Parents’ Role in Advocating for Safe Schools

Parents play a vital role in protecting their children’s educational experiences and advocating for a safe and supportive environment. When faced with the recommendation to withdraw their children from Good Shepherd Convent instead of confronting the principal’s abusive behaviour, parents were left with a difficult choice between their children’s immediate safety and holding the school accountable for its actions. This situation highlights the need for parents to be empowered, allowing them to demand necessary changes without fear of retaliation or social isolation. By fostering a culture where parents feel supported in speaking out against abuse, educational institutions can create an environment that prioritizes the well-being of students. Encouraging parental involvement in advocacy efforts is essential to ensure that schools remain safe spaces for all children to learn and grow.

When parents come together to publicly confront these abuses, they harness the strength of collective action, similar to the unifying spirit of the #MeToo movement. By standing united, parents can effectively pressure school administrations and government authorities to enact changes that safeguard not just their children but also future students. This solidarity is essential for fostering a safer educational environment. Additionally, advocacy groups and parent networks play a vital role by providing resources and support for families facing institutional resistance. By equipping parents with the tools they need, these organizations help promote resilience and empower families to overcome challenges. Together, they can create a strong front that demands accountability and transforms the educational landscape for all students.

Responsibility of Mainstream Media

The lack of coverage by mainstream media regarding this incident exposes a troubling silence that can impede justice and enable abusers. When the media does not report on abuses occurring in schools, it deprives the public of vital information that could safeguard other vulnerable students. In this case, only independent journalists Mr R. F. M. Suhel, the Aruna Daily and a few other media outlets have stepped forward to report the story, illustrating the significant role that localized journalism plays in highlighting these critical issues. Their commitment to uncovering the truth is essential for raising awareness and holding institutions accountable for their failures. Mainstream media must take its responsibility seriously and actively report on such abuses to foster a culture of transparency and justice within educational environments.

As demonstrated by the #MeToo movement, media coverage is essential for amplifying victims’ voices and ensuring accountability for institutions. By bringing attention to incidents of abuse, mainstream media can break the silence surrounding these issues, encouraging public scrutiny and driving institutional reform. Journalists are vital in the pursuit of social justice, and it is imperative for media outlets to prioritize reporting on stories that uncover and address abuse within educational settings. Their efforts can lead to increased awareness, support for victims, and a demand for necessary changes in policies and practices. By committing to responsible journalism, the media can play a transformative role in creating safer environments for students and essentially holding those in power accountable for their wrong actions.

Wrap Up

Note: In closing, I’d like to share the message from Ms. Praneetha Warnakulasooriya of the United Human Rights Organization regarding this incident. You can also find the Sinhala audio clip below.

Today, on October 15, 2024, I address the troubling case of abuse at Good Shepherd Convent, Nuwara Eliya. On October 10, a report was filed with the Nuwara Eliya Police (WCIB273/30) against the principal for severe physical abuse of female students. Today, she was presented in court (B117802024) and has been remanded for 14 days. We are grateful not for the punishment itself, but because our courts have shown dedication to protecting children. I extend my deepest thanks to Inspector General Priyantha Weerasuriya for his intervention and commitment to justice. The abuse, reportedly carried out by the principal and other teachers, has inflicted serious physical and mental harm. In one heartbreaking case, a girl attempted suicide due to relentless harassment, tragically drinking poison while still in her school uniform to escape the torment inflicted by those meant to protect her.

This is a call to action for every parent and student facing abuse to come forward. A girl who endured a brutal beating by the principal on October 10 is still struggling with severe injuries, which worsened her existing health issues and left her barely able to walk. We also condemn the teachers and students who mock victims on social media; their names have been submitted to the Police and Department of Child Protection. Our society needs strong, healthy young women, not those left scarred by abuse and intimidation. Stand with us to demand accountability and protect future generations. If you or someone you know is suffering from abuse in Nuwara Eliya’s Good Shepherd Convent or any school across Sri Lanka, reach out to the United Human Rights Organization at 070-5050606. We are always ready and happy to help you resolve your concerns.

Additionally, numerous video clips and audio recordings from past victims, along with other incident-related videos, are now circulating on social media. Here is a list of these videos and recordings for your reference.

The accused appears before the Magistrate. (October 15th 2024, reported by “දසත News”)

The accused is remanded further. (October 16th 2024, reported by “සියත News”)

Testimonies from past pupils. (October 24th 2024, reported by “News Center” )

Disclaimer: This content addresses issues relevant to the public interest and does not seek to unjustly target or defame any individual. All information provided is based on verified sources and aims to foster awareness and dialogue around the incident.

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