Children are the cornerstone of human civilization and the greatest creation of the universe. The well-being of children determines the future of society, making their care and development a societal priority. According to the Convention on the Rights of the Child, anyone under 18 years old is classified as a child. In Sri Lanka, children comprise about 6.2 million of the population, yet a significant number live in extreme conditions, especially street children who lack basic necessities, care, and safety.
The lives of children vary drastically depending on their family, economic, and social backgrounds. While many children enjoy the care and protection of their families, others, due to poverty or neglect, find themselves abandoned or living without proper guardianship. Among the most vulnerable are street children—those under 18 who live on the streets without a stable home or adult care. Social studies estimate there are between 20,000 to 30,000 street children in Sri Lanka, a number that has risen due to economic hardships, the Easter attacks, the COVID-19 pandemic, and the ongoing financial crisis.
These children are exposed to numerous hardships, including abuse, exploitation, malnutrition, and deprivation of education. Many are forced into begging, petty crimes, or even more exploitative roles such as child labor and prostitution. Girls, in particular, face higher risks of sexual exploitation, often leading to early pregnancies and further cycles of poverty.
While some children are entirely on their own, others live on the streets with parents or guardians who are often substance abusers or involved in illegal activities. Such environments expose children to drugs, alcohol, and violence, robbing them of the opportunity for a normal childhood.
A significant portion of street children is trapped in organized begging rackets, often run by adults who use children to generate income. These children are sometimes drugged or coerced into begging near traffic lights, temples, or major cities like Colombo. Social workers reveal that these children rarely benefit from the money they collect, as it often goes to their exploiters. This system perpetuates a cycle of abuse and poverty, leaving street children unable to access education, healthcare, or basic safety.
Sri Lanka has a comprehensive legal framework to protect children’s rights. The Penal Code (Amendment) Act No. 29 of 1998 prohibits child exploitation, prescribing both minimum and maximum punishments for child abuse. Laws such as the Children and Young Persons Ordinance of 1939 and the Women, Young Persons, and Children (Prevention of Employment of Labour) Act No. 47 of 1956 prohibit employing children under 14 and address issues such as abandonment, forced begging, and child labor.
Despite these provisions, enforcement remains weak. Institutions like the Department of Probation and Child Protection and the National Child Protection Authority (NCPA) face resource constraints and systemic inefficiencies. Existing orphanages and shelters often lack adequate standards, providing neither the safety nor the nurturing environment children need. Additionally, only a limited number of cases involving street children result in prosecution, and the legal system struggles to address the root causes of child exploitation.
Economic poverty is the primary driver behind the neglect and exploitation of street children. Many parents or guardians resort to using children for income generation, whether through begging or labor. Additionally, social inequalities, lack of education, and limited access to healthcare exacerbate the problem. Without systemic solutions, these factors perpetuate cycles of poverty, leaving children vulnerable to abuse and neglect.
The lack of public awareness and societal support further aggravates the issue. While street children are often visible in urban areas, they are frequently ignored or stigmatized, preventing meaningful intervention from both individuals and institutions.
Recommendations for Reform
Addressing the plight of street children requires a holistic approach that combines legal enforcement with socio-economic reforms.
- Strengthening Child Protection Systems: The government must prioritize funding for child protection agencies and ensure orphanages and shelters meet minimum standards of care. New policies should focus on improving the living conditions, education, and emotional well-being of vulnerable children.
- Expanding Foster Care: The foster parent system, currently implemented in some orphanages, should be expanded nationwide. Foster care provides an alternative to institutionalized care, offering children a stable and nurturing environment.
- Cracking Down on Begging Rackets: Law enforcement agencies must take a more active role in dismantling begging rackets and prosecuting individuals who exploit children. Coordinated efforts between police, social services, and NGOs are essential to rescuing and rehabilitating affected children.
- Promoting Education and Vocational Training: Education is a critical pathway out of poverty. Free schooling and vocational training programs can empower street children with skills to build a better future. Initiatives should also address the psychological needs of children who have faced abuse and neglect.
- Raising Public Awareness: Society must recognize the humanity and potential of street children. Public awareness campaigns can challenge stigmas and encourage individuals to support initiatives aimed at helping vulnerable children.
- Collaborating with NGOs and International Agencies: Government agencies should partner with non-governmental organizations and international bodies to fund and implement sustainable programs for child welfare.
- Implementing a National Policy on Street Children: A comprehensive national policy must address the socio-economic, educational, and emotional needs of street children, ensuring long-term support and protection.
Street children in Sri Lanka have been robbed of their childhood through no fault of their own. While laws exist to protect them, systemic inefficiencies, societal neglect, and inadequate resources continue to fail these children. Addressing this issue is not just a matter of enforcement but of compassion and commitment to creating a society where every child can thrive.
As Professor Wasantha Athukorala highlighted, the increase in street children from 15,000 in 2019 to as many as 30,000 today reflects the broader socio-economic challenges facing Sri Lanka. Sacred sites and urban areas have become havens for begging, often facilitated by organized crime. Breaking this cycle requires coordinated efforts from the government, civil society, and individuals.
Every child deserves a safe, nurturing environment and the opportunity to achieve their potential. Sri Lanka must act urgently to rescue and rehabilitate street children, ensuring they are given the care, education, and support they need to build a better future. The time to act is now, for the future of these children is the future of the nation.
