The Women and Child Affairs Ministry has launched a campaign to protect children on the streets, often involved in child labour, begging or other street-based activities.
The Ministry states that children on the streets face numerous risks including violence, exploitation, and limited access to basic services like healthcare and education. They are often involved in child labour, begging, or other street-based activities, which can further expose them to harm and hinder their development.
The Sri Lanka Police and the National Child Protection Authority, have identified 21 vulnerable minors through operations conducted in selected police divisions in the districts of Colombo, Gampaha, Kalutara, Kandy, Anuradhapura, Ratnapura, Galle and Matara recently. The children have now been taken into the custody of officials and placed in protective custody. The Ministry urge public who have information about children involved in child labour, begging, or other street-based activities or in any other unsafe situation to contact the 1929 Child Support Service of the National Child Protection Authority or the 109 Emergency Call Service of the Police Child and Women Abuse Prevention Bureau.
Also, such cases can be reported to any Police station in the island or the field officers of the Women and Child Affairs Ministry attached to the Divisional or District Secretariats.
Women and Child Affairs Minister Saroja Savitri Paulraj stated at a media briefing held recently that existing laws against forcing children to beg, child labour and engaging them in hazardous jobs including domestic work will be strictly enforced.
Accordingly, the Minister is planning to present a proposal at the next Cabinet meeting stating the urgent need to make the implementation of these laws mandatory from July 1.
(dailynews.lk)
(This story, originally published by dailynews.lk has not been edited by SLM staff)