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This report is part of CRIN's access to justice for children project, looking at the status of the Convention on the Rights of the Child (CRC) in national law, the status of children involved in legal proceedings, the legal means to challenge violations of children’s rights and the practical considerations involved in challenging violations.
Sri Lanka ratified the Convention on the Rights of the Child (CRC) in 1991, but it has not incorporated it into its national law. The CRC does not take precedence over Sri Lankan national laws, but it has been recognised as a guiding force for the interpretation of available legislation and principles concerning the rights of the child. Any individual can bring claims regarding a violation of their fundamental rights to the Supreme Court. The Supreme Court is given discretion in its ability to review violations. A child may make a claim for civil or criminal actions through his/her representative. Legal aid is available for all children in both criminal and civil cases. Sri Lanka has several bodies that can receive complaints about child rights violations from either a child or their representative, including the Human Rights Commission, the Department of Probation and Child Care Service and the National Child Protection Authority. Sri Lanka also has a helpline that is run by the Ministry of Child Development and Women’s Empowerment, and linked to public authorities and police.
