‘A painful reminder of past atrocities’ - Jaffna University teachers condemn sexual violence
The University of Jaffna Teachers’ Association (JUTA) has strongly condemned the recent sexual assault of a female doctor in Anuradhapura, stating that the crime is part of a broader pattern of sexual violence on the island.
In a statement, the university teachers highlighted the timing of the incident, noting that it occurred at a moment when both national and international initiatives were being undertaken to mark International Women's Day.
“The stories that have surfaced are only a fraction of the many incidents hidden behind the iron doors of societal and cultural restrictions,” JUTA said, adding that for generations, women have faced various forms of sexual violence.
The association also stressed the historical role of sexual violence in Sri Lanka’s armed conflicts. “During legitimate uprisings against the government and the struggle for ethnic liberation, hundreds of women were subjected to sexual violence,” the statement read. “Even today, the incident in Anuradhapura, where a female doctor has had to endure sexual violence, is deeply distressing. This act is utterly condemnable.”
Reports indicate that the suspect in this crime is a former Sri Lankan soldier. JUTA described this as a “painful reminder of past atrocities committed by the Sri Lankan military” against women.
JUTA underscored that sexual violence was systematically used as a weapon of war, with impunity continuing to persist. Despite international human rights organisations such as Amnesty International and investigative reports from Channel 4 highlighting these crimes, Sri Lanka has failed to act.
“This negligence has fostered an environment where violence against women continues without fear of accountability. The Anuradhapura incident must be understood in this context,” the statement said.
The Sri Lankan military has long been accused of sexual violence against Tamil women, particularly during and after the Mullivaikkal genocide of 2009, where evidence of rape, enforced disappearances, and torture has been extensively documented. Despite widespread allegations, no senior military officer has ever been held accountable.
“Women constitute a significant percentage of the country’s workforce. As they are often compelled to migrate internally for work, their safety must be given paramount importance. Crimes committed by former military personnel must receive immediate attention, as addressing this issue will help prevent future atrocities.”
JUTA urged the authorities to take serious action against the perpetrators of the Anuradhapura attack and ensure similar cases from the past receive due attention.
“Instead of merely enacting new laws, there must be strong mechanisms to ensure the proper enforcement of existing ones. A nation can progress only when its people can live without fear. We trust that the relevant authorities will take this matter seriously.” (TG)