Recent operations conducted by the Sri Lanka Police in collaboration with the National Child Protection Authority have identified 21 at-risk children across several districts, including Colombo, Gampaha, Kalutara, Kandy, Anuradhapura, Ratnapura, Galle, and Matara.
The children had been placed in state protective custody in line with a new program launched by the Ministry of Women and Child Affairs to intensify the enforcement of existing child protection laws.
According to the ministry, these efforts target the exploitation of children in hazardous circumstances such as street begging, trading, and domestic labour.
In preparation for nationwide implementation, a Cabinet memorandum has been submitted outlining the urgent need to approve the enforcement of these laws from July 1, 2025.
Urging the public to act as partners in safeguarding the nation’s children, the ministry encouraged anyone with information regarding children in dangerous or exploitative situations to contact:
- The 1929 Child Helpline
- The Police Children & Women’s Bureau via the 109 Emergency Hotline
- Any local police station
- Field officers attached to the Ministry through Divisional and District Secretariats (Newswire)