216 girls under 16 became pregnant last year: Opposition MP

8 March 2025 11:24 am Views - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}} 20 Bookmark

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By Yohan Perera and Ajith Siriwardana

Opposition MP Rohini Kaviratne revealed in Parliament today that 216 girls under the age of 16 became pregnant in Sri Lanka last year.

"The most alarming part of this issue is that among these minors, there was a ten-year-old girl who became pregnant at such a tender age," the MP said.

Comments - 20

Steve Saturday, 08 March 2025 12:27 PM

Don't only report the numbers, but mention the reasons.

2 14

Russel Harmmer Saturday, 08 March 2025 01:23 PM

If any other details were released, then Namal Rajapakshe will be in trouble as his choice is 16 or below 16. Honestly, this is the truth.

9 20

ඔහොම යං දුවේ.... Saturday, 08 March 2025 12:36 PM

Don't say anything negative about this, because some might blame you for not letting children enjoy their normal life.

5 6

saman Saturday, 08 March 2025 12:37 PM

Rohini, Jolly Seeya and you were running the country until November last year? We think you should run a awareness program.

5 14

J.M. Jamaldeen - [Ex-SSP] Saturday, 08 March 2025 01:26 PM

After AKD took over the country, this type of bad deeds got reduced. During Mina Mahinda's and Gota / Ranil's regime the percentage went to the peak as their henchmen were up to that game, believe me.

6 16

Romesh Saturday, 08 March 2025 06:01 PM

Is the government to blame? Anyway perhaps its a bit too early to comment. After all isn't the lead period nine months ...? How long has the government been in so far?

0 0

Kannasamy Saturday, 08 March 2025 01:39 PM

Child marriage still possible under a particular religion. Implement one law.

8 10

Dharma Saturday, 08 March 2025 02:10 PM

It is very pathetic and a reflection of the weakness of the relevant authorities including Police. Now there is trend to apportion the blame on Mahinda, Ranil and others. It is unacceptable.It is not proper for a retired police officer to blame past leaders.

5 3

I'm from the Police - your money or you wife! You can have both Saturday, 08 March 2025 04:40 PM

From what you say I think we need a Policemen in every bedroom!

0 2

Jeeves Saturday, 08 March 2025 02:54 PM

Needs investigation asap as any child abuse needs to be dealt with by giving severe penalties.

0 9

Ram P Saturday, 08 March 2025 03:18 PM

Ms Kaviratne, Did any MPs' take responsibility for these pregnancies? If Yes please disclose the names

0 4

Mohan Saturday, 08 March 2025 03:50 PM

Their parents should take the responsibility.

2 9

MOST OF THESE YOUNG GIRLS MAY HAVE BEEN SEXUALLY ABUSED OR FROM AREAS WHERE THEY HAVE NOT BEEN EDUCATED ON THE SUBJECT. Saturday, 08 March 2025 05:41 PM

PARENTS ARE FULLY RESPONSIBLE FOR THEIR CHILDRENS UPBRINGING, WHY BLAME THE GOVT OR ANYONE ELSE!!!. ONCE CHILDREN LEAVE HOME IT BECOMES THEIR RESPONSIBILITY TO MAKE DECISIONS. EVERY PARENT MUST HAVE HOUSE RULES, CHORES FOR EACH CHILD, STUDY TIME, PLAY TIME, NO SLEEPOVERS, NO DRINKING OR SMOKING, NO CLUBS AND HOME BY A CERTAIN TIME. ABOVE ALL RESPECT ALL OTHER IN ORDER THAT YOU BE RESPECTED AND ALWAYS REMEMBER HONESTY IS THE BEST POLICY. LISTEN TO PARENTS GET EDUCATED EVEN IF IN A GOVT SCHOOL, DREAM BIG AND FOLLOW YOUR DREAMS AND YOU WILL SUCCEED THROUGH HARDSHIPS. ALWAYS ASK FOR HELP WHEN NEEDED. LAST NO SEX AND IF SEXUALLY ABUSED IN ANY WAY TELL YOUR PARENTS AND REPORT TO THE POLICE.

1 4

ACHILDOFGOD Saturday, 08 March 2025 05:33 PM

YOU MEAN ABNORMAL LIFE!! WHERE IS THE SO CALLED CULTURE WE HOLD!!. NEVER HAD THIS TYPE OF NEW/INFO WHEN MY GENERATION WAS GROWING UP. AT 16 WE FOCUSSED ON EDUCATION AND HOW TO BECOME CITIZENS THAT THE COUNTRY

0 1

R Navaratnam Saturday, 08 March 2025 06:17 PM

I do understand the purpose of bringing such issues to the Parliament by the opposition. This is not a government problem. I have come across many such poor and worthless topics brought into Parliament by the opposition. For me, good education from primary class onwards is required for a good society. Good Teachers are required.

0 1

...meeyo Saturday, 08 March 2025 08:16 PM

Is there any record-breaking century by someone before the provincial elections?

0 0

Rajitha Sunday, 09 March 2025 12:47 AM

The parents are fully responsible for their children. This is classed under child neglect and cruelty. It’s always someone in the family circle or known person responsible.

0 3

Smh Sunday, 09 March 2025 01:33 AM

Is it child abuse or consensual. More and more young people are getting into s**ual relations through social media and trying to ape western lifestyle choices. If it is child abuse there needs to be severe consequences. If it is teenagers having consensual relations then the parents need to step up.

0 3

Dr Tissa Fernando Sunday, 09 March 2025 01:39 AM

Many youth today engage in sexual relationships before marriage and some get pregnant because they do not take precautions. This is a common issue in all countries, in western countries, they start this activity as early as 14 years. So, SL is also changing and many are not bothered about previous relationships prior to marriage with different persons.. Some People who are appearing as saints or very religious are also engaged in illicit sexual relationships. Only thing the government could do is to provide sexual education to students and also explain dangers of inappropriate relationships.

1 4

Mohamed Shareff - affected father Sunday, 09 March 2025 07:49 AM

Demolish - Quazi Court is a massive scam and very primitive. It is detrimental to Sri Lanka’s economy and the psychological and physical well-being of children affected by the primitive and rude decisions that fail to address women's rights to live with younger children. Amendments are blocked by foolish fundamentalists who do not understand the actual pain caused by this situation. Demolish the Quazi Court system. Please demolish the Quazi Court system - children’s lives are being harmed due to delays.

0 4

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