Speaking at a recent Divisional Coordination Committee meeting in the Pallama Divisional Secretariat of the Puttalam District, the Minister stressed that the breakdown of family structures is a key factor behind the rising cases of child neglect and abuse. He noted that many vulnerable children are becoming isolated due to parental migration, death, or drug addiction.
According to officials, nine child abuse cases were reported in the Pallama area over the past five months, and legal action has already been initiated in each case. The Minister highlighted that most affected children come from broken or unstable family backgrounds.
He further warned that drug traffickers are increasingly targeting children aged between 11 and 17, describing it as a serious national concern requiring urgent intervention from all sectors of society.
The Minister also emphasized that the government is currently implementing a special programme titled “Ewaththanu” aimed at combating drug trafficking and eliminating narcotics networks. He said recent raids have uncovered dangerous substances such as crystal methamphetamine (“ice”) and heroin in the region, indicating the presence of organized criminal groups behind the trade.
He added that citizens who are reluctant to report drug-related activity to the police can directly inform the Deputy Inspector General of Police in charge of the North Western Province to ensure their concerns are addressed safely.
Addressing road safety and environmental issues, the Minister called for strict enforcement of helmet laws among young riders and instructed police to take strong legal action against the resurgence of illegal sand mining, including excavation, transport, and possession.
He concluded that these challenges transcend political, ethnic, and religious boundaries and must be addressed collectively to safeguard the future of the country’s children.
