Risk of child labour increasing, warns National Child Protection Authority

13-Jun-2026

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The National Child Protection Authority (NCPA) has warned that the risk of children being drawn into child labour is increasing under current conditions in Sri Lanka.

The warning was issued in a special message released to mark the World Day Against Child Labour, observed annually on June 12.

This year’s theme is “A Child Labour-Free Nation, A Better Tomorrow for Children.”

According to the statement, the NCPA received numerous complaints related to child labour and exploitation in 2025, including 173 complaints related to child labour, 287 complaints involving child begging, 53 complaints related to child trafficking and 3 complaints involving the use of children as intermediaries in sexual activities.

The Authority emphasized that, in line with international labour standards, all children under the age of 16 must remain in compulsory education and should not be employed.

Children aged between 16 and 18 may only be employed in work that does not affect their health, education, safety or moral development. Employment in hazardous occupations and night work remains strictly prohibited.

The statement also noted that employing children as domestic workers is a punishable offence. Parents and intermediaries who force children to beg can face imprisonment and fines under Section 288 of the Penal Code.

Other prohibited forms of child exploitation include street vending, circus performances, drug and alcohol distribution, prostitution and online commercial exploitation.

The NCPA said 71 categories of hazardous occupations have been identified as posing threats to children’s safety.

To combat child labour and school dropouts, the Authority has launched several special programmes, including awareness campaigns targeting school principals, teachers and student leaders. Nationwide educational initiatives will continue throughout the year through school child protection committees and university student ambassadors.