Sri Lanka’s National Child Protection Authority (NCPA) has received 7,677 complaints relating to child protection issues between January and September 2025, highlighting growing concerns over child safety across the country.
According to the NCPA, 414 complaints involved child sexual abuse, while 192 cases were linked to serious sexual exploitation. Of the total complaints, 6,296 fell under the Child Protection Authority Act, and 1,381 were outside its purview.
September recorded the highest number of complaints this year, with 1,176 cases reported. Among those under the Child Protection Authority Act, authorities noted 49 cases of sexual harassment, 111 cases of child labor, and 203 cases of abduction.
Additionally, there were 62 complaints of teenage pregnancies, 102 cases of cyber violence against children, 38 of domestic violence, 13 suicide attempts, and one case of kidnapping.
The NCPA also reported 83 drug-related complaints, including 27 instances of children being used for drug trafficking and three involving the sale of drugs to minors.
Deputy Inspector of Police for the Kalutara Division, Jayantha Padmini Weerasuriya, warned of a growing trend of children being drawn into drug use, emphasizing the urgent need for community awareness and preventive measures.
