The District Children and Women's Committee, which looks after the safety and welfare of children and women, met today (20) at the District Secretariat Auditorium under the patronage of District Secretary/Government Agent Ranjana Jayasinghe.

Kegalle District has emerged as the district that has conducted the highest number of drug prevention programs in the country in 2024 and that forty drug addicts have been referred to hospitals for treatment so far this year, said the District Drug Prevention External Coordinator S.C. Thotawatte. In terms of health, nutrition and mental health development, the health sector pointed out that there is a high risk of the spread of AIDS among the youth aged 15-24 in the district. The need to raise awareness in this regard at the Divisional Secretariat level was highlighted. The organization stated that the Sarvodaya organization could also contribute to this awareness campaign. It also pointed out the need for a short-term detention center for children seeking mental health care.

In the investigation into child abuse, child abuse and domestic violence, sixty-five cases of child abuse have been reported so far and there was also a risk of child mothers being born. 2988 complaints have been reported regarding family disputes. The District Labor Offices have taken many measures to eliminate child labor. It was said that there have been reports of children being employed as plantation workers and that investigations are being conducted regularly in this regard. It was also stated that necessary measures have been taken to prevent female employees working in commercial establishments from standing for long periods of time during their working hours.

Necessary measures were planned to provide birth certificates to all residents of the district by conducting mobile services for those who have not yet obtained birth certificates. In addition, non-governmental organizations such as Sarvodaya and the Foundation for Peace and Mercy expressed their views on the programs implemented for children in the district and their progress.

This District Children and Women Committee was organized by the District Child Rights Promotion Officer H.M.C. Kanthi Herath and the division.

Additional District Secretary (Administration) K.G.S. Nishantha, Additional District Secretary (Lands) Dilip Nishantha, District Planning Director A.A. Weerakoon, Divisional Secretaries, representatives of government institutions, departments and non-governmental organizations related to children and women's issues were present at the event.