• Children above 16-yrs. directed to alternative edu. while children under 16 placed back in regular schooling
• Child Affairs Minister says relevant authorities currently assess difficulties faced by families and provide assistance where possible 
• If absence is due to psychological conditions, authorities provide apt. guidance/support

The Ministry of Women and Child Affairs stated that the Government is making all possible efforts to ensure proper school education for children of the relevant age groups, with many individuals and organisations extending their support to the same.

Speaking to The Daily Morning, subject minister Saroja Savithri Paulraj said that there are several programmes aimed at re-enrolling children who have dropped out of school. “Children over 16 years who have been out of the school for years are being directed to alternative education considering their age. Those under 16 are being placed back into regular schooling,” she said.

She noted that the relevant authorities assess the economic difficulties faced by families and provide assistance where possible. “There are many children found begging on the streets or working in unsafe jobs. Whenever the authorities come to know about such children, we provide the necessary assistance to them and their families. It is very positive that many individuals and organisations extend their support in doing this,” she said.

Paulraj added that the Government currently provides families with schoolchildren an allowance of Rs. 6,000 per child for stationery, Rs. 5,000 for children in orphanage-care, and additional support such as uniforms, shoes, and school bags. In cases where a child’s absence from school is due to psychological conditions, she said, the authorities are also working to provide appropriate guidance and support.

According to a Ministry of Education survey last year (2024), about 20,000 children have completely dropped out of the education system, while another 80,000 attend irregularly. Prime Minister and Minister of Education, Higher Education and Vocational Training Dr. Harini Amarasuriya revealed these figures during a recent meeting with Sabaragamuwa provincial education officials at the Ratnapura District Secretariat.