The Department of Probation and Child Care Services has reported that 14,834 children have been identified as living in vulnerable situations across Sri Lanka.
The disclosure was made at the District Multi-Stakeholder Drug Prevention, Treatment, and Rehabilitation Program held yesterday (28th) at the Colombo District Secretariat. According to an official, Child Rights Promotion Officers are actively supporting affected children, with many cases also being referred through police stations.
The official highlighted a major challenge, noting the lack of proper coordination among stakeholders. In drug-related cases, officers struggle to access certain areas such as Badowita. He suggested the creation of a family-centered care and development plan that places the child’s well-being at the core.
Public Security Minister Ananda Wijepala, addressing the event, stressed the urgency of the issue. He pointed out that some cases reported to the police were not being investigated, a situation he strongly opposed. “Many children have become highly vulnerable, creating opportunities for criminal elements to exploit them. Today, even 15-year-olds are involved in the underworld. When children drop out of school, drug traffickers target them,” he warned.
While acknowledging the involvement of multiple institutions in child protection, the Minister emphasized that simply identifying problems was not enough. “We need active programs and dedicated institutions, supported by financial resources. The President has assured that funding will be provided for such efforts,” he added.
Senior Superintendent of Police for the Nugegoda Division, Mangala Dehideniya, highlighted social factors contributing to the issue. He explained that many children became insecure when their mothers went abroad, while now, in some cases, mothers addicted to drugs such as ‘Ice’ fail to ensure their children attend school. Such situations, he noted, have been identified in areas including Obeysekarapura and the Welikada Police Division.
