May 6 – The mother of a 12-year-old student with special needs studying in Grade 8 at Thalahitiya Junior College, Ms. Malmalabaduge Anusha Niroshani Fernando, has alleged that the school principal brutally assaulted and seriously injured her son.
According to the mother, the incident took place inside the school on April 20, 2026. She alleges that the child was severely assaulted in the area of his right ear, resulting in hearing loss. Doctors later informed her, after the child was hospitalized, that his eardrum had ruptured.
The mother stated that the child came to the attention of the principal after leaving a piece of cake in his bag on a teacher’s desk after school. She alleges that the principal then called the child and assaulted him several times on the ear and back before a class teacher intervened and stopped the assault.
After returning home that evening, the child reportedly complained of severe pain. When the mother examined his ear, she noticed bleeding inside it. The child was subsequently taken to several hospitals and was eventually admitted to Ward 12 of the Nagoda Base Hospital for treatment.
Doctors have reportedly stated that the child’s eardrum has been damaged and warned that there is a risk of complete hearing loss if proper care is not provided.
The mother further stated that the child has been receiving long-term treatment for vision impairment, mental health conditions, speech difficulties, and weight-related issues. She said that the principal and teachers had been informed about these medical conditions at the time of the child’s admission to the school.
According to the mother, the hospital police recorded statements regarding the incident on April 21, 2026, while the Thembuwana Police recorded statements on April 23. The principal was later produced before court and released on bail. The next hearing in the case is reportedly scheduled for July 15, 2026.
The mother also alleges that the principal had assaulted students on previous occasions and that the police were aware of such incidents. She further claims that witness statements were not properly recorded and that attempts were made to suppress evidence by pressuring teachers and students.
She is calling for an independent and impartial investigation into the incident by the Children and Women’s Bureau or the National Child Protection Authority and is demanding legal action against the principal. She also requests that her son be provided with the necessary protection and support to continue his education without disruption.
