Sri Lanka has announced new measures to strengthen child protection, with the government focusing on risks ranging from child labour and abuse to online exploitation and drug use.
Prime Minister Harini Amarasuriya announced the measures during National Week for World Children’s Day, held from 25 September to 1 October under the theme Mentally Strong, Children Empowered.
One of the measures concerns child labour. Under the Employment of Women, Young Persons and Children Act, the fine for employing children in hazardous activities has been increased from 10,000 to 100,000 Sri Lankan rupees.
The government said the higher penalty is intended to strengthen efforts to prevent the economic exploitation of children.
Another area of focus is the physical and emotional safety of young people. Amarasuriya called for stronger regulations and protection systems to address cyberbullying, misleading online content and other pressures that could affect children’s psychological wellbeing.
The government is also working on reforms aimed at preventing corporal punishment and psychological abuse, while encouraging educational and disciplinary approaches that respect the dignity of children.
The Ministry of Women and Child Affairs has also highlighted growing concerns about children’s safety online. Parents and guardians are being urged to take greater care when sharing photographs and videos of their children on social media.
The increasing use of monetisation features on digital platforms has contributed to more content featuring children being published online, sometimes without their consent, in efforts to gain attention or generate income.
Officials have warned that such material can potentially be used by others for commercial purposes or manipulated through artificial intelligence to produce obscene content.
The government has also identified drug use among young people as another area requiring greater attention.
President Anura Kumara Dissanayake has called for a prevention system that involves parents directly and gives them the information and practical tools needed to recognise possible early signs of drug use.
He also identified teachers and religious leaders as important figures in prevention efforts, while stressing that they should receive appropriate training to help them respond effectively.
The measures form part of a wider government focus on protecting children from exploitation and abuse while responding to emerging risks associated with digital technology and artificial intelligence.
Based on reporting by Asia News.
