Villingili Children’s Home fires two employees for compromising the safety of children

Two employees at the Children’s Home (Kuda Kudhinge Hiya) in Villingili, the capital city’s sub-urban extension, have been fired for reportedly harming children in state care.

The extent of the harm they caused is yet to be clarified, however the institution has said that they were accused of compromising the safety of children.

RaajjeMV understands that the Children’s Home had investigated the matter, and initially put the two employees implicated in the matter under suspension.

They have reportedly since been let go, although they had filed a case with the Employment Tribunal against the state’s Civil Service Commission over what they describe to be unlawful termination.

The tribunal had ruled that there are no legal precedents that entitles them to receive compensation from the commission or to have their employment status restored.

They were removed from employment in full accordance to relevant laws, the tribunal had found.

RaajjeMV also understands that they were accused of a constitutional violation, Article 35 – on the rights of children and the elderly.

“Children and young people shall not be harmed, sexually abused, or discriminated against in any manner and shall be free from unsuited social and economic exploitation” Article 35 reads.

The article also guarantees the safety of the elderly and ‘disadvantaged persons’.