The Praja Shakthi Development Foundation says many young women who leave probation and child detention centres at the age of 18 are turning to sex work due to a lack of proper job training and social support.
According to the Foundation’s Executive Director, H.A. Lakshman, many of these young women were sent to detention centres after facing sexual abuse, harassment, or due to the absence of parental care. Once released, they struggle to find alternative employment and often view sex work as the easiest option available to them.
Lakshman said some of the young women face sexual abuse again after returning to society, further pushing them toward the profession. He stressed that the Foundation does not pressure them to leave sex work, but will support any government-led programme aimed at providing them with alternative livelihoods. He added that around 10,000 female sex workers are currently registered with the organisation.
Responding to the issue, Deputy Minister of Women and Child Affairs Namal Sudarshana said it is difficult to confirm the exact number of young women choosing such work. However, he noted that many lack guardians or family support when leaving detention centres, which increases the likelihood of them entering the sex trade.
He said the government is considering a proposal—on the President’s instructions—to extend their stay in probation centres under certain conditions until the age of 20 or 21. He added that plans are also underway to provide them with skills training in areas such as cake making and the beauty industry, along with NVQ certification, to help create safer employment opportunities in the future.
