Children

The rising child labour rate signals a regression: children are being diverted from education into work, simply because of economic precarity.

Human rights advocates warn against prematurely declaring victory: without transparency, there’s a risk that groups may operate below the threshold of legal recognition, or rebrand themselves in ways that evade enforcement. Others say that the success of anti-gang efforts must be measured not just in arrests, but in sustainable social reintegration of former gang members, especially youth.

The report calls for the government and industry joining hands to strengthen social protection, enforce labour laws, and support climate adaptation.

The latest nationwide survey reveals a seismic shift in the age profile of Sri Lanka, with the share of children shrinking and the elderly proportion growing – signalling a departure from decades of youthful-growth to one of rapid ageing and dependency pressures.

According to the report, the gap in learning outcomes between wealthier and poorer students is widening – even as the nation slips in its global standings.

Justice Ratho emphasized the integral role of academic contributions in building robust child rights frameworks.

In a landmark public health achievement, the World Health Organization (WHO) has validated the Maldives for eliminating mother-to-child transmission (EMTCT) of hepatitis B.