Chronicles of Melancholy—sneak preview launched
Stop Child Cruelty Trust (SCC) with Child Protection Alliance (CPA) launched another historical event to protect and promote the rights of children across Sri Lanka. From 2020 to 2022, seventeen children were physically/sexually abused and murdered, and no person of authority has done anything meaningful to resolve the child protection crisis on the island. 'Chronicles of Melancholy' (නොරිදවිය යුත රිදෙන කතන්දර) is a collection of true-life stories of victims/survivors of various forms of child abuse to be published in Sinhala, Tamil and English to create awareness of the escalating crisis. The first heartbreaking story, 'Stilled Tears - Faded White Garb' (නිසල වී ඉකිබිඳුම - මිලින විය සුදු පියුම), was released as an introduction to this masterpiece.
'Stilled Tears - Faded White Garb' is the tragic story of a sixteen-year-old Varuni who was subjected to unimaginable mental and verbal abuse by the Principal, which made her end her own life. Dr Tush Wickramanayaka said the most unique thing about the book is that it is authored by Dinithi Gunathilaka, winner of the Best Speaker award at the National Inter-school Debate Competition 'A Generation's Appeal 2021'. Dinithi was the Captain of the debate team of Sirimavo Bandaranaike Vidyalaya, Colombo 7.
Why this book matters
Dr Wickramanayaka added that children are the most vulnerable members of a community and require protection from adults. The launch of Varuni's story is intended to encourage voiceless victims to share their stories, while the final objective remains to empower children, raise public awareness and educate.
Publication and expert input
The final publication of 'Chronicles of Melancholy' will include experts giving practical advice on child psychology, parenting, legal issues and more. The book will be initially published in Sinhala, Tamil and English, and the team is negotiating publication in two UN-recognized regional languages as well.
Children are the future of our country. We must educate the general public so knowledge can become a powerful tool to overcome child abuse. A book like this is vital for our society.
Voices at the event
Chandrika Bandaranaike Kumaratunga, the former President of Sri Lanka, said authorities should resolve the child protection crisis by working cohesively with NGOs and other organizations. Prof. Sarath Wijesooriya spoke about the need to educate and create awareness so abuse can be prevented before children fall prey to social predators.
The event included excerpts from Varuni's story read by Child Protection Ambassadors Saranga Disasekara, Abisheka Fernando, Dinakshie Priyasad, Niranjani Shanmugarajah and Harith Wijeratne, along with a visual dance performance by Stagecraft.
Campaign and next steps
The team also launched the 'Me Unhurt - Stop Child Abuse' art competition for children aged 16 to 18. Winning artwork will adorn the book cover. Stop Child Cruelty Trust also outlined its broader history, including its establishment in 2018, the Child Protection Alliance in 2021, celebrity Child Protection Ambassadors in 2022, and its advocacy at the 42nd session of the UNHRC in Geneva.