The International Conference on Child Protection (ICCP 2025), organized by the Centre for Gender Studies, University of Kelaniya, in collaboration with the National Child Protection Authority Sri Lanka (NCPA), with support from the European Union through UNICEF Sri Lanka under the Support to Justice Sector (JURE) project, concluded successfully after three days of dynamic discussions, keynote addresses, paper presentations, and stakeholder engagements on July 25,26 and 27, 2025.

The Conference commenced with an inauguration ceremony at the BMICH on July 25, 2025 while the main conference was held at the Faculty of Computing and Technology. The conference brought together global and local experts, policymakers, academics, and civil society actors under the theme of strengthening child protection frameworks through legal, policy, and community action.

The Inauguration Ceremony of the International Conference on Child Protection 2025 (ICCP 2025) was held on 25th July 2025 at the Lotus Hall, BMICH, with the participation of key national and international stakeholders. The Chief Guest, Hon. (Dr.) Jagath Wickremaratne, Speaker of Parliament, emphasized the role of legislative leadership in child protection. The event was further graced by Senior Prof. Nilanthi de Silva, Vice-Chancellor of the University of Kelaniya; H. E. Carmen Moreno, EU Ambassador to Sri Lanka and the Maldives; and Hon. Harshana Nanayakkara, Minister of Justice. A keynote address was delivered by Dr. Asvini Fernando, while a special video message was shared by Dr. Najat Maalla M’jid, UN Special Representative on Violence Against Children.  The event concluded with remarks from UNICEF's OIC Representative, Ms. Begoña Arellano.

The morning session of the 2^nd day commenced under the precedence of Senior Prof. Nilanthi de Silva,  Vice-Chancellor of the University of Kelaniya, along with the other distinguished guests including Ms. Preethi Inoka Ranasinghe, Chairperson, NCPA; Ms. Teona Aslanishvili, Chief of Child Protection, UNICEF Sri Lanka; Ms. Ayesha Jinasena, PC Secretary, Ministry of Justice; Senior Professor Anuruddhi Edirisinghe, Conference Chair and Director of the Centre for Gender Studies; and Dr. Amila Jeewandara, Conference Secretary.

An insightful international symposium titled “Child Abuse Management Challenges and Successes – Lessons from Different Countries” was the main highlight in the morning session, which was moderated by Ms. Ayesha Jayasena and Ms. Ranasinghe. Country-specific insights were shared by Dr. John AM Gal from Australia & UK, Prof. (Dr.) Adarsh Kumar from India, Dr. Anirut Worawat from Thailand, and Senior Prof. Anuruddhi Edirisinghe from Sri Lanka.

The afternoon featured parallel paper presentation sessions showcasing research by emerging scholars, followed by a thought-provoking debate on ethical media practices in child-related reporting, held under the theme “News reporting related to children in this country can be elevated to a higher standard through an ethical approach.”

In the evening, the 3rd International Conference of the Centre for Gender Studies was inaugurated, featuring a keynote address by internationally renowned expert Prof. (Dr.) Adarsh Kumar. His lecture highlighted regional and global dynamics in child protection and forensic intervention. The evening concluded with cultural performances and fellowship.

The 3^rd day began with more free paper sessions before transitioning into the much-anticipated 4th Oration of the Centre for Gender Studies, delivered by Prof. Rangita de Silva de Alwis, Distinguished Adjunct Professor of Law, Carey Law School University of Pennsylvania, a member of the UN Convention on the Elimination of Discrimination against Women (CEDAW) 2023 -2025, and a globally acclaimed legal scholar. The oration ceremony was graced by former and current directors of the Centre, including Snr. Prof. Maithree Wickramasinghe, Prof. Sagarika Kannangara, and Dr. Anusha Edirisinghe.

A key highlight of the day was the Panel Discussion on "Ending Violence Against Children – Sri Lanka’s Pledges to Action," co-moderated by Mihlar Mohammad Abdul Malik from UNICEF, and Buddhini Withana from Save the Children, Sri Lanka. The panel featured a distinguished lineup, including Ms. Ayesha Jinasena PC, Secretary to the Ministry of Justice​​; Ms. K. D. R. Olga, Secretary to the Ministry of Women and Child Affairs; Ms. Teona Aslanishvili, Chief, Child Protection, UNICEF Sri Lanka; Ms. Preethika Sakalasuriya, Director – Legal,​National Child Protection Authority; Suhada Gamlath PC, Chairperson, National Victim and Witness protection Authority​​; Ms. Gayani Wijesinghe, National Commissioner, Department of Probation Commissioner; Ms. Chandima Rathnayake (Deputy Director of Education) from Co-curricular branch, Ministry of Education, Higher Education & Vocational Education; Prof. Miyuru Chandradasa, Professor in Psychiatry, Consultant Child and Adolescent Psychiatrist, Head of the Department, Department of Psychiatry, University of Kelaniya; and Mr. Sudarshana De Silva, Director, National Budget Department, Ministry of Finance. The discussion explored critical topics ranging from policy enforcement, mental health, school safety, and child-sensitive services to the importance of gender budgeting in national protection mechanisms.

A highlight of the closing ceremony was the presentation of awards for outstanding research contributions, acknowledging excellence across multiple categories. Out of the 378 abstracts reviewed 220 were scheduled for oral presentations while 25 were selected for poster presentations. The panel of judges comprising of multi-disciplinary team of academics and practitioners evaluated the presentations and the presenters were awarded under the categories, Best Research Presentation, Merit Awards, Best Case Presentation, Best Research Concept / Review Presentation, Best Poster Presentation, and Most Outstanding Research Presentations. These awards were a testament to the high academic caliber and passion for child rights, gender equity, and forensic inquiry demonstrated by Sri Lankan and international scholars.

 The two-day conference concluded with a formal Closing Ceremony presided over by Prof. Nayana Gunathilake, Scientific Committee Co-Chair. Dr. Sulochani Ramanayake, Conference Secretary (Academic), provided a comprehensive summary and reflections, followed by the awarding of Best Presenter Certificates and Tokens of Appreciation to the organizing committee. Closing remarks were delivered by Prof. Clifford Perera, NCPA; Ms. Teona Aslanishvili, UNICEF; and Senior Prof. Anuruddhi Edirisinghe.

ICCP 2025 marked a significant step in national and regional efforts to strengthen interdisciplinary and multisectoral responses to child protection and gender equity. The Centre for Gender Studies, along with its partners, reaffirmed its commitment to advancing child rights, academic research, and policy transformation in Sri Lanka and beyond.