November 29, 2011: Sister Mary Elisha, an Indian nun arrested on charges of human
trafficking in Sri Lanka was freed on bail on Monday. She was arrested on November
25 at the Prem Niwasa children’s home in Colombo, run by the Missionary of Charity
(MC). The National Child Protection Authority (NCPA), says Sister Elisha is charged
with child trafficking and other related abuses in connection with a program being
run by the nuns to support pregnant unmarried women. Several foreigners along with
75 children, 20 pregnant women and 12 new mothers were allegedly present at the time
of the raid on November 23. Sister Elisha, denies the allegations, saying the home
which she runs has never been involved in selling children and that the sisters have
never taken money for their work. According to the NCPA, even if the trafficking
charge proves unfounded, the home was still breaking the law. “Prem Niwasa is registered
under the Department of Probation and Child Care Service to run a home for children,
not to take care of unwed pregnant mothers,” said Anoma Dissanayake, the authority’s
chair. The raid and arrest has caused outrage among the home’s supporters. According
to prominent Buddhist thinker Dr. A. T. Ariyaratne the nuns are providing excellent
care for children. “The sisters are taking such good care and give so much love
in bringing them up,” the as good citizens, the founder of the Sarvodaya Movement
said. Sister Elisha is next due to appear in court on December 1, according to
Sister Johannes, Provincial of the MC nuns in Sri Lanka.