An unsettling revelation has emerged in Sri Lanka as State Minister of Women and Child Affairs, Geetha Kumarasinghe, disclosed a distressing surge in child sexual abuse cases.

In just one month, September, a total of 168 female children below the age of 16 have fallen victim to these heinous crimes, casting a dark shadow on the nation.

The gravity of the situation is further accentuated by the distressing fact that among the young victims, 22 children have been reported as pregnant, underscoring the urgent need for intervention and support for these vulnerable individuals.

Child protection advocates and government officials are voicing their deep concern over this disturbing trend. The government, in collaboration with relevant authorities, is working diligently to address this crisis, bringing the perpetrators to justice and ensuring the victims receive the care, support, and protection they so desperately need