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)

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Sri Lanka Police has requested the public to refrain from giving money to beggars near junctions and colour lights in and around Colombo.

Traffic Police Chief DIG Indika Hapugoda said traffic congestion, damage to vehicles, and injuries to beggars via road accidents were occurring as a result of giving money to beggars. 

He further said that measures are being taken to eliminate beggars from junctions and colour lights in the vicinity of Colombo, adding that Police officers in uniform as well as in civil attire have been stationed near traffic lights for this purpose.

Stating that these were part of measures to eliminate beggars in prominent areas, he pointed out that beggars could be eliminated if vehicle drivers and passengers refrained from giving money.

DIG Indika Hapugoda announced that steps have been taken to inform drivers of the new measures through video messages in all three languages, Sinhala, Tamil, and English. 

When offered employment with an earning of between Rs. 2500 to 3000 per day, the beggars had rejected the offer, stating that they earn between Rs. 15,000 to Rs. 20,000 per day by begging, he said. 

DIG Hapugoda further said that 94 beggars were arrested and produced in court over the last week, but they were released after being imposed a fine as they cannot be remanded for long periods. 

He pointed out that some beggars engage in begging as full-time employment as most of them are severely addicted to drugs, and steps have been taken to rehabilitate such individuals. (Newswire)

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A decision has been taken to relocate beggars from Galle Face Green in Colombo to the Social Services Rehabilitation Centre in Ridiyagama, Hambantota, it was reported. 

According to NewsFirst, the decision has been taken by the Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Aviation following complaints over public harassment caused by beggars at the Galle Face Green.

Minister Nimal Siripala De Silva revealed about 150 beggars at the Galle Face Green are allegedly inconveniencing the public, including locals and foreign tourists.

Thereby, the Ministry has instructed the Sri Lanka Ports Authority and Sri Lanka Police to oversee this joint initiative, while the Ports Authority and affiliated institutions have also been directed to allocate funds for this project under the Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) initiatives. 

Minister Nimal Siripala further stated that these funds will provide accommodation, food, and other necessary facilities to the beggars who will be transferred to the rehabilitation centre. (NewsWire)

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