Over 3000 child abuse cases in 2021: NCPA

COLOMBO (News 1st): Around 3200 children were subject to various forms of abuse last year, the National Child Protection Authority (NCPA) said on Friday (Jan. 7). Most of the incidents of child abuse, assault, and other forms of torture were reported from the Colombo, Gampaha, and Kalutara districts, Senior Lecturer Udayakumara Amarasinghe, the Chairman of the National Child Protection Authority told News 1st. Whilst pointing out that such cases of child abuse are common in our society, but are rarely reported, he noted that certain people are reluctant to report on incidents of child abuse, although they are well aware of such cases. Senior Lecturer Udayakumara Amarasinghe urged the people to report such acts to the NCPA helpline 1929 or visit the nearest Police Station. "It is the social responsibility of everyone to ensure the safety of children," the NCPA Chairman reiterated.