Prime Minister Harini Amarasuriya has called for greater attention to children’s mental and psychosocial well-being, child protection and digital safety in a World Children’s Day message.

She highlighted risks children face from digital technology, including cyberbullying, harassment, harmful content and exploitation, while noting the need to ensure children can benefit from technology for education and development.

The Prime Minister also highlighted concerns over violence against children and stated that the Government was working to strengthen the legal framework on corporal punishment.

She noted that Parliament had passed amendments increasing fines for relevant child labour offences from Rs. 10,000 to Rs. 100,000, while existing legislation prohibits the employment of children below 16 years.