May 26, Colombo (LNW): Authorities in the Uva Province have expressed growing concern over the increasing number of child abuse incidents reported across the region, with officials confirming that around 80 cases have been recorded during the past five months alone.
Speaking at a child protection awareness campaign held in Badulla, Uva Province Commissioner of Probation and Child Care Theekshana Edirisuriya revealed that hundreds of vulnerable children are currently being housed in state-run and assisted care facilities throughout the province. According to officials, nearly 600 children remain under institutional care in centres including children’s homes, certified schools, rehabilitation units and counselling facilities for girls.
The awareness drive, organised with support from the Badulla Police and the Road Passenger Transport Authority, introduced a new initiative aimed at identifying children at risk through QR code stickers placed on buses and in public spaces. Members of the public are encouraged to use the codes and hotline details to report concerns involving neglected or endangered children.
Officials noted that areas such as Wellawaya and Monaragala have witnessed a troubling rise in abuse-related complaints in recent months. Authorities say many of the reported incidents involve sexual abuse, abduction, neglect and disputes concerning child custody and protection.
The Commissioner further disclosed that more than 180 child-related cases are currently pending before courts in the province, highlighting delays in legal proceedings and the increasing burden on welfare services.
Child protection officers stressed that early intervention remains critical in preventing abuse, adding that a lack of parental supervision and social support continues to place many children in vulnerable situations. Senior police officers and provincial transport officials also attended the programme, pledging greater cooperation in future awareness and protection efforts.