Sri Lanka is facing a deeply troubling child protection crisis, with more than 10,000 complaints reported in 2025 alone, raising urgent concerns about abuse, neglect, public vigilance, and the need for faster intervention to safeguard vulnerable children.
A total of 10,455 child protection complaints have been reported in 2025, according to the National Child Protection Authority, reflecting a serious rise in public concern over the safety, welfare, and protection of children across Sri Lanka.
NCPA Director of Planning and Information Shanika Malalgoda said that 2,099 of those complaints were directly linked to cruelty against children, underlining continuing fears about child abuse, mistreatment, and the vulnerability of minors in different settings.
She also revealed that a total of 11,409 child-related complaints and cases have been reported between 2021 and 2026, pointing to what authorities describe as a worrying and sustained trend in incidents affecting children.
Officials have urged the public to remain alert and report any suspected child abuse, child cruelty, or child protection concern by contacting the National Child Protection Authority hotline on 1926, stressing that early reporting and timely intervention are critical to protecting children from harm.
Authorities have also called for greater public awareness, stronger community participation, and wider national involvement in efforts to prevent child abuse, strengthen child safety, and ensure better protection for vulnerable children throughout the country.
