• 425 dropouts, 6 suicides 

Over 1,000 incidents of abuse and violence reported from Government and private schools from 2015 to 2025 have resulted in 425 school dropouts and six suicides, Prime Minister and Education Minister Dr. Harini Amarasuriya said in Parliament yesterday (7).

Presenting year-wise data in response to a question raised by Opposition Parliamentarian, attorney Chamindranee Kiriella, the Premier said that a total of 1,026 incidents were reported from 2015 to 2025 including 69 incidents in 2015, 67 in 2016, 78 in 2017, 86 in 2018, 85 in 2019, 66 in 2020, 62 in 2021, 82 in 2022, 117 in 2023, 155 in 2024, and 159 in 2025. She also said that according to available records, these incidents have led to 425 students dropping out of school and six committing suicide.

Commenting on preventive measures, Dr. Amarasuriya said that the relevant authorities are in the process of strengthening counselling programmes in schools to provide support to students facing abuse or violence. She also said that attendance committees established under compulsory education orders have also been activated to monitor school attendance and to identify and enroll children who do not attend school. 

"Awareness on teacher ethics is being strengthened through training programmes conducted for teachers and principals. In addition, awareness programmes are being carried out at the Provincial level for principals and teachers with the involvement of non-governmental organisations and the National Child Protection Authority," she said. She further said that steps are being taken to identify high-risk situations at an early stage and to inform children and parents on how to respond appropriately. "This is being carried out through coordination with the Health Department, the Probation and Child Care Services Department, and the Police."