Declining moral values a matter for concern: ASP

Nugegoda Division ASP Sarath Prema said it was sad that social and moral obligations protected through sound human relations and social values in the past have now to be protected by law enforcement authorities empowered by Acts passed in parliament.

Addressing a meeting to form Child Protection Committees in the Mirihana Police Division, he pointed out that parliament had to pass Acts to provide protection to elders, children under 16 years of age and women. He said in the past the people considered that it was their duty and a moral obligation to protect elders, children and women. “However it is a matter of concern that safeguards to such moral obligations and social responsibilities have to be provided by laws. Police have taken steps to form child protection committees to provide security to children and to prevent child abuse and cruelty to children. I will not say that the population of elders has reduced, but in reality elders of high calibre who uphold their dignity as elders and are conscious of their moral obligations have reduced. Meanwhile many parents resort to a lifestyle unbecoming of them and love to indulge in revelries forgetting their responsibilities. This has compelled the police and other law enforcement authorities to provide protection to children.

Today every divisional secretariat has a staff to look into the issues affecting children. However, not a single day is passed without an incident of injustice to children. It was very rarely that we heard about child abuse about three decades ago. Today media gives prominence to incidents of child abuse and rape. In the past people provided protection to their children and the children of others as well. It is a matter of concern that social relations have declined today,” he said. HQI Mirihana police IP Saman Jayalath, OIC Comminity Police Unit SI Nilantha also addressed the gathering.