The National Child Protection Authority (NCPA) reported a total of 8,746 complaints regarding child-related issues in 2024, highlighting a troubling rise in cases of abuse and neglect across the country.
Among the complaints, 321 were related to serious sexual abuse of children, while a total of 580 complaints involved sexual abuse incidents between January 1 and December 31, 2024. The highest category of complaints, amounting to 2,746, pertained to general child protection issues, followed by 1,950 complaints of child cruelty.
The NCPA also recorded 229 cases of child begging, a persistent issue in Sri Lanka. Additionally, 42 complaints of rape and 25 cases of child solicitation for sexual acts were reported. Alarmingly, 14 complaints of child marriages were received, along with 151 cases of threats to release nude photos online, reflecting the growing dangers children face in the digital age.
Other significant concerns included 18 complaints of attempted suicide and 120 cases of drug addiction among children. Furthermore, 53 complaints were related to underage pregnancies, and 39 instances involved children without birth certificates, shedding light on broader systemic and social challenges affecting children’s rights and welfare.
The NCPA’s data underscores the urgent need for stronger measures to address child abuse, protect vulnerable children, and create a safer environment for the nation’s youth. The authority has emphasized the importance of public awareness and timely intervention to combat these alarming trends.
