Minister of Women and Child Affairs Saroja Savithri Paulraj stated that 103 children in Sri Lanka have lost one or both parents due to the impact of Cyclone Ditwah.

Speaking at a programme held yesterday (6) at the Badulla District Secretariat auditorium, the Minister said a special programme has been launched under the President’s directives to ensure the protection, care and future security of the affected children.

She noted that several individuals have expressed willingness to take responsibility for children without parents, stressing that all such arrangements will be carried out strictly in accordance with legal procedures and court orders.

The Minister also revealed concerns specific to the Badulla District, including a rise in teenage pregnancies and the absence of adequate facilities to protect vulnerable girls. She further highlighted the increasing trend of online harassment in the district.

Minister Paulraj stated that Badulla records the highest number of cases of corporal punishment by parents, while the Welikanda area in Polonnaruwa reports the highest number of child-related crimes in the country.