Several pressing issues have arisen as there is an estimated 30,000 street children, who engage in begging, in various locations across the country, Wasantha Athukorala, a senior professor in the Department of Economics and Statistics, at the University of Peradeniya, revealed.
He said that this figure is substantiated by research and studies conducted in different areas.
Expressing his views on the matter, Professor Athukorala emphasised the gravity of the situation, describing it as a pressing concern that profoundly impacts the future. He noted the absence of a proper data system maintained by the government regarding these children and stresses that the government’s responsibility is to establish an accurate data system. Without intervention, he warned that the number of street children may continue to rise, potentially leading to increased criminal activities such as drug use, trafficking, theft, fraud and sexual abuse.
Research findings reveal that parents or temporary guardians often exploit these young children for begging and other money-making activities. Many of these children, aged between 4 and 15, who engage in begging alone or accompany adults in bustling cities and religious sites, are deprived of education, he said.
Furthermore, the research indicates that some parents enlist these children in various informal labour and street trading, with many of these parents grappling with drug addiction. Consequently, some of these children become ensnared in drug abuse, as well as engaging in fraudulent activities, theft and experiencing sexual abuse.
In response to inquiries regarding this issue, Inspector General of Police (IGP) Deshabandu Tennakoon acknowledged that the Police was aware of the situation.
He said that while some of these children are taken under Police custody and brought before the Courts, there was a lack of appropriate facilities to shelter these minors after that.
“The Ridiyagama Detention Centre, under the Department of Social Services, where beggars are sheltered, is currently overcrowded. Given this circumstance, sending street children to Court is deemed ineffective. Instead, there is a pressing need for a comprehensive, long-term rehabilitation process. However, there is currently no suitable facility equipped to accommodate and rehabilitate these children,” he said. Speaking further, the IGP stressed the necessity of a suitable facility for their rehabilitation, highlighting the importance of collaboration among relevant agencies to find a viable solution. Despite the challenges, he reassures that the Police are committed to addressing this critical issue with utmost attention.