Sharp rise in reports of child abuse in Eastern Province, over 300 cases recorded

By Poojathmi Rivithma

Colombo, June 30 (Daily Mirror) - A significant surge in child abuse cases involving children under the age of 16 has been reported  from the Eastern Province with 304 incidents being recorded in 2024, Senior DIG Waruna Jayasundara pointed out.

He added that around 90% of children are found to be unsafe only after an incident had occurred.

He said that in the Ampara district, a total of 101 children have been reported as victims of abuse, highlighting the ongoing exploitation of children in vulnerable situations.

DIG Jayasundara noted that most incidents are not complained to the police and stressed that parents must take greater responsibility in safeguarding their children.