He made these comments with regard to the report published by 'Sathhada' weekend newspaper claiming that several children in the care of Sri Lanka Ranaviru Seva Authority-run ‘Senehasa’ children’s home at Matha Road, Narahenpita have been sexually abused by Army personnel.
"The 'Senehasa' children's home operated under the Defence Ministry is administered by Sri Lanka Army. It has no connection with Sri Lanka Ranaviru Seva Authority. The current government has decided to hand it over to the Chairman of Sri Lanka Ranaviru Seva Authority Anoma Fonseka. That is why she engaged in an observation tour at the location...”, he said.
He further stated that there is certain level of truth to the exposé made by 'Sathhada' newspaper and that number of complaints have been received with regard to the particular matter.
Called Senehasa Education Resource Research and Information Centre, it was formed by the then chairperson of the Authority Anoma Fonseka, during the war to look after mentally-handicapped children of members of the armed forces.
Condition is bad - Anoma
When contacted, Anoma Fonseka stated that the institution was formed following her concept during the tenure of Field Marshal Sarath Fonseka as the Army Commander and it was under good administration.
She said she has come to understand the facility was no longer safe for children, about which she has informed the current Army commander, and that their mental condition would suffer due to being controlled by the military.
Since it is her concept she has requested his permission to get involved in the administration of the institute.
The attempt to contact Army media spokesman Brigadier Jayanath Jayaweera regarding the incident failed due to his busy schedule.
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