Nine child marriages and 79 teenage pregnancies recorded last year: NCPA

BY Poojathmi rivithma

The National Child Protection Authority (NCPA) reported receiving a total of 10,455 complaints related to children last year, including nine cases of child marriage and 79 teenage pregnancies, highlighting ongoing concerns about child welfare in Sri Lanka. Of the total complaints, 8,514 fell under the NCPA Act, while 1,941 were outside its direct mandate. 

The reports also revealed 545 cases of sexual harassment, 231 cases of grave sexual abuse, 38 incidents of child rape, and three abortions. In addition, 150 incidents of cyber abuse targeting minors and 20 attempted suicides among children were recorded. 

Other issues included 42 complaints about children lacking birth certificates and nine cases where young children were left behind as parents migrated abroad. 

The NCPA emphasised that these figures highlight the urgent need for continued vigilance, stronger interventions, and coordinated efforts to safeguard children and protect their rights across the country.