In recent months, Sri Lanka has witnessed a disturbing rise in child abuse complaints, shedding light on a growing crisis that demands urgent attention. The country, known for its rich cultural heritage and strong community values is now grappling with the harsh reality of increasing cases of child exploitation and violence.
Reports from various child welfare organisations have raised alarms, revealing a pattern of abuse across both urban and rural areas, where children of all ages are falling victim to neglect, physical harm, and exploitation. This surge in complaints has highlighted the urgent need for stronger protective measures, better awareness and a more proactive approach to safeguarding the most vulnerable members of society.
The National Child Protection Authority (NCPA) recently released alarming statistics on child abuse cases and related complaints across the country in 2024, shedding light on a crisis that demands urgent attention. A total of 8,746 cases were reported, reflecting a pressing need for stronger protection mechanisms for children.
Disturbing trends
Among the various forms of abuse, cruelty against children was one of the most prevalent, with 1,950 reported cases. This was closely followed by cases involving children in need of care and protection, which totalled 2,756. Reports of sexual harassment (580 cases) and severe sexual abuse (321 cases) remain particularly alarming. The data also revealed concerning instances of child labour (165 cases), child trafficking (24 cases), and incest (10 cases).
The issue of compulsory education violations was another major concern, with 1,628 cases reported, pointing to systemic challenges in ensuring children’s right to education.
In addition to physical abuse, the report documented a significant rise in cyber-related offences. Cyberbullying through threats using nude photos accounted for 151 cases, indicating the growing risks children face online. The report also noted 637 cases of children needing psychological counselling, highlighting the emotional toll of abuse and neglect. Another pressing issue was teenage pregnancies, with 53 cases reported and 14 cases of child marriages, showing that early intervention is crucial to prevent these harmful practices.
Colombo recorded the highest number of child abuse cases, with 870 incidents, followed by Gampaha with 820 cases and Kurunegala with 600 cases. Other districts, including Ratnapura (466 cases) and Anuradhapura (477 cases) also reported notable figures.
Call for action
The NCPA has urged the authorities, communities and families to take proactive steps in preventing child abuse. Strengthening legal frameworks, increasing public awareness and improving child protection services are critical to curbing this growing crisis. With thousands of children affected each year, the need for a comprehensive and sustained response has never been more urgent.
Protecting the nation’s children must remain a top priority.
Stop Child Cruelty Trust Chairperson, Dr. Thushara Wickramanayake has expressed concern over the Government’s lack of a clear policy framework to address child-related issues, emphasising the critical need for comprehensive reforms. She pointed out that while there has been a recognised gap, the Government took a step forward by introducing a National Policy in November 2024, aiming to tackle these issues through short-term, medium-term and long-term strategies.
“The short-term plan spans approximately six months, the medium-term extends from six months to two years, and the long-term initiatives cover beyond two years. This policy provides a comprehensive roadmap for ensuring the welfare and protection of children,” Dr. Wickramanayake said.
Task Force
A cornerstone of the new policy is the proposal to establish a dedicated Task Force for children. This Task Force echoes the initiative first seen during the tenure of former President Chandrika Bandaranaike Kumaratunga, when, lacking a dedicated ministry for child welfare, child-related matters were directly managed by the President’s office. Significant progress was made during this period, including the establishment of the Child Protection Authority and the amendment of the Penal Code to classify physical and mental cruelty as forms of abuse.
The Ministry for children was later reinstated under former President Ranil Wickremesinghe’s tenure, with one of the key decisions being the approval of a draft amendment to the Penal Code that sought to abolish corporal punishment of children. “Unfortunately, this critical process has since stalled under the current administration,” she said.
“Physical punishment remains the most prevalent form of child abuse in Sri Lanka, and globally. It is crucial that we move forward with legal reforms to end this form of violence,” Dr. Wickramanayake said.
The NCPA has reported a sharp increase in complaints related to child cruelty, with cases rising by 30 percent over the past year.
According to Wickramanayake, preventing violence against children is not just a legal issue, but a fundamental step to building a safer and healthier society. The World Health Organization (WHO) has classified violence against children as a global health crisis, stressing the need for immediate intervention. Research from the WHO and the United Nations reveals that countries spend between 6 percent and 10 percent of their GDP managing the consequences of violence against children, with the financial burden being three times higher per affected child compared to general healthcare expenses.
Sri Lanka took part in the first global conference on preventing violence against children, held in Bogotá, Colombia, in November of last year. At the conference, the Government made a commitment to enact child protection legislation by mid-2025. Given the gravity of the issue, Dr. Wickramanayake stressed, “It is vital that we accelerate efforts to fulfil this promise and ensure meaningful change to safeguard the nation’s children. The time for action is now.”
Legal delays and gaps
Speaking to the Sunday Observer, Attorney-at-Law Nirupa Serasinghe noted that according to the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, child abuse extends beyond physical and mental harm.
“It also includes neglecting a child’s essential needs, physical and emotional. Failure to provide these necessities is a violation of their rights. However, a major issue in addressing child abuse cases is the excessive delay in the legal process. Based on my personal experience, I have seen cases where incidents occurring when a child was just eight-years-old were not pursued legally until the child had reached twelve or thirteen years. This prolonged delay is a critical weakness in the legal system. External harm to a child has long-term psychological consequences and the extended time frame for legal proceedings only exacerbates the trauma, potentially leading to lasting mental health issues,” she said.
She also said the issue of child abuse in Sri Lanka remains a deeply concerning and pervasive problem, despite the existence of legal protection. According to Serasinghe, one of the most troubling aspects is the frequent violation of laws meant to protect the identities of abused children. The Penal Code Act No. 22 of 1995 criminalises the revelation of a child’s identity, yet these violations continue with little legal consequence. The lack of effective implementation of child protection laws highlights a significant gap in the country’s legal and child welfare systems.
“The delay in processing child abuse cases is not solely a failure of the judicial system but reflects inefficiencies within the institutions designed to support justice,” she said. “These inefficiencies exacerbate the harm done to victims, especially when power dynamics influence outcomes. When the perpetrator is from a powerful group, institutions often fail to protect vulnerable children,” Serasinghe added.
Modern legal proceedings increasingly rely on video evidence to document abuse. However, due to institutional inefficiencies, this crucial footage is often not presented in a timely manner, further prolonging justice and deepening the trauma inflicted on the child. This systemic failure reflects a fundamental flaw in both the legal and child protection frameworks of the country.
Home and beyond
Statistics indicate that most child abuse cases occur within the home, often at the hands of family members, relatives, neighbours or teachers. Abuse is especially prevalent in the rural areas, where tight-knit communities foster secrecy, making it easier for perpetrators to hide their actions. In contrast, urban areas, with more isolated family units, may offer fewer opportunities for abuse to occur undetected. Studies suggest that the real number of child abuse incidents could be two to three times higher than the official figures, as many cases go unrecognised due to cultural stigma or ignorance.
“In some families, parents may view a child’s abuse as a disgrace and choose to cover it up rather than seek justice,” said a social worker familiar with the issue. “This decision to protect family reputation over a child’s well-being can have devastating long-term effects, leaving children emotionally scarred and vulnerable to future harm.”
The reluctance to seek legal action not only harms the child but also creates a cycle of emotional trauma that can lead to resentment and mistrust towards society. Addressing this issue requires more than just legislative change—it demands a shift in societal attitudes toward child abuse, particularly in rural communities where cultural stigma often prevents recognition of the problem.
A significant challenge is the lack of commitment from many within child protection institutions. Employees often treat their work as just a job, rather than a mission to serve the well-being of children. “There needs to be a stronger sense of responsibility among those working in this field,” a child protection officer said. “This is not just about financial incentives; it’s about genuine service to children.”
According to her, children who are placed in Children’s Homes under probation due to the absence of parents often experience further trauma. “These institutions, rather than providing safety and support, sometimes perpetuate discrimination and emotional distress. Some children even face additional abuse within these facilities, underscoring the need for reform,” she said.
“The abuse of children within institutional care is a serious concern that needs urgent attention. The child protection system must be restructured to ensure that these institutions fulfill their roles with integrity and dedication, providing a safe environment for vulnerable children,” she added.
Minister’s statement
Speaking to the Sunday Observer, Minister for Women and Child Affairs, Saroja Savithri Paulraj highlighted significant contradictions in Sri Lanka’s child-related laws in tackling child abuse.
“For instance, under the Sri Lankan Labour Law, persons under the age of 14 are classified as children, meaning they cannot be legally employed. However, as a signatory to the Convention on the Rights of the Child, Sri Lanka recognises anyone under 18 as a child. This discrepancy leaves those aged between 14 and 18 in a vulnerable position under labour regulations. While 12 years of education is deemed compulsory, there are no legal provisions ensuring continued education for children between 12 and 18,” she said.
She said that another pressing issue is the legal treatment of child abuse cases, particularly concerning sexual coercion of minor girls. Scientifically sexual coercion is recognised only if the victim is under 15- years-old. If a child between 15 and 18 faces such a situation, it is not classified as an act of sexual coercion but rather as a voluntary sexual encounter. “The first priority is to protect children by establishing a clear and consistent definition of what constitutes a child,” she said.
This legal loophole underscores the urgent need for a clear and protective definition of a child. “As a Government, we are committed to addressing this gap and ensuring that the rights and safety of all children are upheld in accordance with international standards,” she said.
According to the Minister, who was also once an educator, the lack of comprehensive sex education has also led to various challenges for children.
Many instances of abuse occur within the family or the immediate environment, often due to a child’s lack of awareness. “Without proper sex education, children remain vulnerable to exploitation and harm. Addressing this gap is crucial in equipping children with the knowledge needed to protect themselves”, she said.
“Children in Sri Lanka also face various other forms of abuse, including exploitation by drug traffickers, being used as intermediaries or being coerced into criminal activities. The widespread prevalence of cruelty against children further exacerbates their plight. As a Government, we are committed to establishing a secure environment for children by tackling these issues at every level,” she said.
