The government has decided to strictly enforce laws that prohibit children under 16 years old from being used for begging and vending and also to prevent the deployment of children between 16 and 18 years in hazardous employment and as housemaids, starting from July 1, 2025.
The statement issued by the Department of Government Information noted that as per the Children Rights Ordinance, a child has been defined as a person who is less than 18 years old and 30% of the total population of Sri Lanka are considered children.
According to latest statistics, it has been identified that certain children are compelled to engage in various professions, becoming “street children” as a result of human trafficking, and they often beg or sell various items in public places, either with or without their parents.
Accordingly, the Cabinet of Ministers has granted approval to strictly enforce the existing legal provisions pertaining to the use of children for begging and employment and to raise public awareness in this regard through extensive propaganda.
