Authorities in Anuradhapura have raised alarm over a sharp increase in pregnancies among underage girls, highlighting a growing social concern in the district.
Inspector S. Shyamali of the Anuradhapura Police reported to the District Children and Women Development Committee that cases of child pregnancies have risen this year compared to previous years. The committee convened on Sunday under the chairmanship of Additional District Secretary Shamila Wickremarachchi at the District Secretariat auditorium to address issues affecting children and women and to discuss potential solutions.
The Additional District Secretary noted that the use of social media and the internet for school-related academic activities has inadvertently exposed children to risks, emphasizing the need for stricter oversight. She also stressed the importance of providing better facilities, including more schools for children with special needs, and called for the implementation of a targeted crash programme as outlined in official circulars.
Deputy Director of Education Hemantha Chandrasekara advised that WhatsApp and similar platforms should be restricted to educational purposes for Advanced Level students only, warning that younger children may develop mobile phone addiction if access is unrestricted.
Paediatrician Dr. P. Ratnamali highlighted poor nutrition among children under five and noted that a UNICEF-funded child welfare programme will soon be implemented in Anuradhapura.
The meeting was attended by District Children’s Rights Promotion Officer Indu Amarasinghe and several senior officials, who collectively emphasized urgent action to protect children and address this escalating issue.
