NCPA receives 287 complaints of children forced into begging in 2025

 The Authority also said child labour takes away children’s childhood, dignity, and education, and can harm their physical and mental health.  
It reminded that all children under 16 must attend school. Children aged 16 to 18 can only work in safe jobs that do not affect their health, education, or development. Children are not allowed to do dangerous work or night jobs.  
NCPA Chairperson Preethi Inoka Ranasinghe urged parents, teachers, employers, and the public to stay alert and report cases of child abuse.  
The Authority also warned that using children for street selling, circus acts, entertainment, drug or alcohol selling, prostitution, or online commercial exploitation is a crime under Sri Lankan law.  
The NCPA said 71 types of jobs have been listed as dangerous for children because they can harm their safety and well-being.