Are children in Sri Lanka safe?

By Huzefa Aliasger  

Violence and sexual abuse against children still remain a key problem highlighting that Sri Lanka is yet to be on a path that ensure a safe future for children. A total of 10455 offences have been recorded for the year of 2025 which include rape, Grave Sexual Abuse, Obscene Publications and Cyber Bulling (threatening using nude photos), according to the National Child Protection Authority.  

Among the offences and complaints an alarming rise of child rape cases have been recorded. A total of 93 cases have occurred in 2025 which is a significant rise since 2024 with 42 cases. A total of 231 complaints of grave sexual abuse among children have been recorded, 64 obscene publications cases and 150 Cyber Bulling (threatening using nude photos) cases have been recorded.  

Colombo district has been identified as the district with highest offences of 1423 followed by Gampaha 1167.  

An article released by the UNICEF says “UNICEF is very concerned about several reports of recent cases of child abuse in which the right to protection has not been guaranteed. It is essential that the authorities take all allegations seriously, act promptly to provide immediate and continuous support to child survivors and hold perpetrators accountable to protect all children.”  

“Every child has a right to be protected from any form of violence and exploitation. Child victims also have the right to psychological and physical rehabilitation and support, as stipulated in the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child (CRC).” UNICEF says.