Nearly 30,000 underage street children begging around the country: Study reveals

27 March 2024 09:36 pm - 15 - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}

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Colombo, March 27 (Daily Mirror) - A study revealed that the number of underage street children begging all around the country is between 20,000 and 30,000.

Senior Professor (Professor in Economics) Wasantha Athukorala from the Statistics and Data Studies Department of Peradeniya University conducted a study in Kurunegala, Anuradhapura, Ampara, and Kandy to inform authorities about the current situation of underage street children across the country.

He told the Daily Mirror that the estimated figure was determined through informal discussions held in those areas, drawing from previous surveys conducted by a specific non-governmental organization (NGO) in 2019. He noted that, according to the data from these surveys, approximately 15,000 underage street children were identified across the country.

However, through informal discussions in those areas, it was suggested that the number of underage street children may have doubled compared to the figure reported in 2019.

He mentioned that no previous data pertaining to research, analysis, or projects conducted by any other organization or authority regarding underage street children and their outcomes as adults could be found.

He also mentioned that due to the economic crisis caused by the COVID-19 epidemic situation, this condition is showing growth.

These people are often seen around sacred places and using children to beg has become a business.

Meanwhile, National Child Protection Authority (NCPA) Chairman Chanaka Udyakumara Amarasinghe said that the use of children in begging is a criminal offense. While commenting on the issue, Inspector General of Police (IGP) Deshbandu Tennakoon said that although there is the possibility of taking child beggars into police custody, the existing legal obstacles to taking action against them have become a problem.

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Comments - 15

Rip Winkle Wednesday, 27 March 2024 10:22 PM

Guess what'll happen now? Govt will strongly disagree with these numbers.

sad situation Wednesday, 27 March 2024 10:25 PM

MAJORITY OF BEGGARS HAVE ALWAYS USED CHILDREN AND EVEN SOMEONE ELSES SICK CHILD FOR THE PURPOSE OF BEGGING FROM DECADES AND DECADES AGO. I WAS MADE TO UNDERSTAND IN SOME INSTANCES THERE WAS A MALE OR FEMALE BEHIND IT, WHO SENDS SOME OF THESE BEGGARS OUT AS A BUSINESS. I AM SURE THERE MAY BE MANY MORE SINCE THE COUNTRY WAS BROUGHT TO ITS KNEES. VERY SAD STATE.

Citizens Wednesday, 27 March 2024 10:32 PM

This is what the rajapakse thieves did to the country, reduced the people to beggars. How many old people are also on the streets begging! Do Not bring up the COVID pandemic as an excuse!! It's pathetic to say that!

Tissa Fernando Thursday, 28 March 2024 04:18 AM

No one needs to beg if they make use of their life properly. The beggers have chosen to be beggers. It is difficult to find a good person to get some household help although daily rates are over Rs 3000. If you employ someone they steal. Do we have sufficient number of plumbers in this country? What about electricians? The answer is no. Very soon we have to get workers from India. Wait and see what happens to these beggers when Marxists come to power.

Tissa Fernando Wednesday, 27 March 2024 10:38 PM

They are probably part of 'Organised Begging Company Private Limited'.

Buddhist Wednesday, 27 March 2024 11:45 PM

All the street children should be taken to the Parliament canteen to get fed!

Tissa Fernando Friday, 29 March 2024 12:20 AM

And once they are fed, they should be put to compulsory education. After education they should be put to some productive work. The lead beggers should be arrested too. No one needs to beg, there are enough jobs in this country fir which you cannot find enough suitable candidates. Many wants to do nothing and get everything from government.

Nagalingam Palahotam Thursday, 28 March 2024 03:13 AM

These are the results of stolen public money by politicians since 1948! No one blames the politicians but the poor people - However they are talking about malnutrition? homelessness? One Nakiya came to power through the back door and being in politics for more than 50 years by saving all culprits also talking this rubbish!

Ram Thursday, 28 March 2024 04:25 AM

They are called street children as they are born poor. They are also made of the same stuff that the rich children are made of. Some of these poor kids are used by elders and some others beg as they need to have some food to get out of starvation. Pathetic situation ignored by politicians

Jude Thursday, 28 March 2024 05:07 AM

That's the legacy of UNP SLFP PA UPFA SLPP governing this country for last 50 years!!

Dee Thursday, 28 March 2024 06:09 AM

Well organized operation! Renting out of children on a daily fee, higher fee if with deformity. Some of these professional beggars are better off than tie clad executives who pays half the salary for the car just to show off!

Oswald Thursday, 28 March 2024 06:58 AM

Begging could be big business operated by the beggar mafia exploring vulnerable persons. There are many begger actors too. The sad part is that because of these impersonators and mudalali's, genuine beggars loose out on public kindness. After all no one wants to be taken for granted and a ride.

Adwani Thursday, 28 March 2024 09:11 AM

Even the Policemen were too noticed begging from poor Vendors and Pavement Hawkers with Bundle of Ticket Books in Pettah. This is Sri Lankan ancient protected business by politicians.

Dr.JEYARAMAN DEVARAJAN Thursday, 28 March 2024 10:09 AM

This is a shocking news to all. The government must take this matter as a national problem, and take some constructive measures, otherwise, this can cause huge social problems. Immediate action is required to protect these types of beggars. They must be at school not in the streets.

Fernando Thursday, 28 March 2024 01:28 PM

Please check in Katharagama as well. Some women carrying toddlers pretending to be worshippers, are actually beggars. The children are fast asleep all the time which looks fishy.

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Nearly 30,000 underage street children begging around the country: Study reveals

Comments - 15

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