Couple to Get Legally Married for Well-being of Infant Left in Train

In a shocking incident, an unmarried couple abandoned a 13-day-old infant in the toilet of the Batticaloa-bound Meenagaya express train. However, in a surprising turn of events, the couple has now sought court permission for the care and full custody of the child, insisting that they will be legally married for the child’s well-being.

Appearing on behalf of the couple, Senior Counsel Lakshan Dias informed the Colombo Fort Magistrate Thilina Gamage that his clients are prepared to take custody of the child and are planning to legally marry to ensure the child’s welfare. Taking into consideration the situation, the Magistrate ordered the Director of Lady Ridgeway Hospital to hand over the infant to the parents, who were subsequently released on two sureties of Rs.500,000 each. The infant will be supervised by a Probation Officer.

However, the case is far from over, as the Magistrate has also ordered the child and the couple to appear before the Government Analyst on March 21 for a DNA test. The incident has raised concerns over child protection laws and the need for greater social support systems for vulnerable children. The well-being of the infant remains a top priority, and the authorities will continue to closely monitor the situation