NCPA receives 287 complaints of children forced into begging in 2025

Colombo, June 12 (Daily Mirror) - The National Child Protection Authority (NCPA) says it received 516 complaints related to child labour and child exploitation in the first part of 2025. Most of these cases are about children being forced to beg.

In a statement marking the International Day Against Child Labour, observed on June 12, the NCPA said it received 287 complaints about children being used for begging, 173 complaints about child labour, and 53 complaints about child trafficking.

The NCPA said using children for begging is a serious crime. It warned that parents, guardians, and others who force children into begging can be jailed or fined under Section 288 of the Penal Code.

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.