The Praja Shakthi Development Foundation has warned that many young women leaving probation and child detention centres at age 18 are turning to sex work due to a lack of proper job training and support.
The foundation’s Executive Director, H. A. Lakshman, noted that most of these young women have experienced sexual abuse or harassment before being placed in these centres by the courts. Others were sent there because they had no parents or family to care for them.
Mr. Lakshman explained that upon leaving these centres, many struggle to find employment. Without adequate training or protection, some see sex work as the easiest way to earn a living. He added that a number of these women face further abuse after returning to society, which often drives them deeper into the sex trade.
The foundation does not pressure these young women to leave sex work but is ready to support government initiatives that provide safer and better opportunities. Currently, around 10,000 female sex workers are registered with the foundation.
Deputy Minister of Women and Child Affairs Namal Sudarshana acknowledged that it is difficult to confirm the exact number of young women entering sex work but admitted that those leaving detention often have no guardians or support.
He added that the government is considering a proposal to allow these young women to remain in probation centres until the ages of 20 or 21, rather than being released at 18. The Ministry also plans to provide training in areas such as cake making and beauty culture, along with NVQ certificates, to help them secure proper employment.
