An official of the NGO warned that once back in society, some of the young women face renewed abuse – a cycle that can entrench them in sex work.
A troubling trend is emerging in Sri Lanka, according to the NGO, Praja Shakthi Development Foundation, many young women discharged from probation and child detention homes at age 18 are turning to sex work due to a lack of training, support, and safety. A recent report by the Praja Shakthi Development Foundation reveals that this is because the young women often lack skills to cope with life outside the probation homes and also because there is no safety net for them outside the probation homes.
Lack of Training, No Safety Net Pushes Youth into Vulnerable Work
H A Lakshman, Executive Director of the foundation, told Daily Mirror that these women often leave institutional care with no vocational training or protection. “With no training or protection, many choose sex work as the easiest way to earn money,” he said.
Lakshman further added that many of these young women had already experienced sexual abuse or harassment before entering the probation system, or were placed there because they lacked family support.
He warned that once back in society, some of the young women face renewed abuse – a cycle that can entrench them in sex work.
Government Weighs Extending Stay in Probation Centres
Deputy minister of women and child affairs, Namal Sudarshana, acknowledged difficulties in tracking exactly how many young women move into sex work after leaving care, but admitted that many lack guardians or other forms of social support.
As a response, the government is reportedly considering a proposal to allow these women to remain in probation centres until they turn 20 or 21 – instead of releasing them at 18.
In addition, the ministry plans to roll out training programs in areas like cake making and beauty culture, along with NVQ-certified courses, to help young women access safer and sustainable livelihoods.
Support Organisations Call for Skills-Based Reintegration
Lakshman made clear that the foundation does not stigmatize or pressure the women to exit sex work, but is ready to back any government or civil society initiative that provides viable, dignified alternatives.
According to the foundation, approximately 10,000 female sex workers are currently registered with their programmes.
The proposed government measures, if implemented, could provide a critical lifeline – helping these young women transition with dignity into stable livelihoods and breaking the cycle of exploitation.
