5. Rights of a child

Official English translation. Where it differs from the Sinhala or Tamil text, the Act itself says which text prevails.

(1)

Every child has the right to—

(a)

have his or her birth registered and to have a name from his or her date of birth;

(b)

acquire nationality;

(c)

be protected from maltreatment, neglect, abuse or degradation; and

(d)

have legal assistance provided by the State at State’s expense in criminal proceedings affecting the child, if substantial injustice would otherwise result.

International Covenant on Civil and Political

(2)

In all matters concerning children, whether undertaken by public or private social welfare institutions, courts, administrative authorities or legislative bodies, the best interest of the child shall be of paramount importance.

Read on from s 6