• Ignorance, experimentation, risky behaviour blamed  

Paediatrician at the Colombo South Teaching Hospital in Kalubowila, Prof. Ruwanthi Perera has raised concerns over the increasing number of accidents involving children.

Speaking at a press briefing organised by the Health Promotion Bureau in recognition of the National Accident Prevention Week, Prof. Perera highlighted that many childhood accidents are a result of ignorance and experimentation.

“As a South Asian country, we rank quite high in terms of accident rates. Unfortunately, national data show a growing number of injuries among children due to accidents,” she stated.

Prof. Perera explained that healthcare services cater to children up to the age of 16 and emphasised that two key age groups are particularly vulnerable to accidents. “The first group consists of kids who suffer injuries through unintentional experimentation. The second group includes adolescents aged 12 to 14, who often engage in risky behaviour as they enter a phase of curiosity and independence.”

She noted that the most common types of accidents among children include falls, cuts, and burns, which are often preventable with proper awareness and supervision.

Prof. Perera stressed the critical importance of educating children and parents on accident prevention measures.