- Note that the above image is AI generated
A disturbing new revelation shows that hundreds of vulnerable young women leaving Sri Lanka’s probation system are being pushed into sex work due to poverty, abuse, and the total absence of state support.
The Praja Shakthi Development Foundation has revealed that many young women who leave probation and child detention centers at the age of 18 in Sri Lanka end up entering sex work because they have no proper job training, financial support, or safe alternatives. The foundation’s executive director, H. A. Lakshman, said that a large number of these girls have already faced sexual abuse or harassment before being admitted to the centers by court order.
He explained that many others are placed in probation centers simply because they have no parents or guardians to look after them. According to him, when these young women leave the centers at 18, they struggle to find employment because they lack basic skills, qualifications, and social support. With no training, income, or protection, many choose sex work because it becomes the only way to survive. Lakshman added that some are abused again after returning to society, which pushes them deeper into the cycle.
He said the foundation does not pressure any of these young women to leave sex work but is prepared to support any government plan that creates safer and more stable opportunities. Currently, nearly 10,000 female sex workers are registered with the foundation.
Deputy Minister of Women and Child Affairs Namal Sudarshana said it is difficult to confirm how many young women in the country are involved in sex work, but most who leave custody do so without guardians or support. He said the government is considering a proposal to allow girls to remain in probation centers until age 20 or 21 instead of releasing them at 18. The ministry also plans to offer training in cake making, beauty culture, and NVQ courses to help them find employment and avoid exploitation.
