The Government has announced a series of critical measures aimed at enhancing child protection and improving the reporting process for child abuse cases, following concerns over the low number of formal complaints received by the National Child Protection Authority (NCPA).
Speaking at the weekly Cabinet press briefing held yesterday (27), Cabinet Spokesman and Mass Media Minister Dr. Nalinda Jayatissa stated that despite the NCPA operating a 24-hour complaint facility, many incidents go unreported through official channels.
To address this, the Government has decided to regulate the conduct of media outlets and social media communicators to prevent the exposure and potential harm to the identities of child victims. The move is part of a broader effort to build public trust in formal reporting mechanisms and uphold the rights and dignity of children.
A Standing National Committee will also be established, chaired by the Secretary of the Ministry of Women and Child Affairs, and will include representatives from other key agencies to coordinate child protection efforts nationwide.
Additionally, the Government is preparing amendments to the Penal Code and Criminal Code to eliminate physical punishment against children and ensure that all forms of abuse are duly reported and addressed.
Minister Jayatissa emphasized that the new media ethics framework currently in development will contain robust safeguards to protect victims from repeated exposure and harassment.
He also referenced the Cabinet-approved national policy, “A Safe World for Children – A Creative Future Generation”, which identifies the protection of children from abuse and violence as a fundamental principle. The policy was adopted during the Cabinet meeting on March 3, 2025.
Multiple ministries—including Women and Child Affairs, Health and Mass Media, Education, Higher Education and Vocational Education, Justice, and National Integration—as well as the Sri Lanka Police, are expected to play a central role in this coordinated initiative.
The Cabinet has formally approved the proposal by the Women and Child Affairs Minister to implement these measures, aiming to ensure swift and effective intervention in cases involving child abuse.
