World Day Against Child Labour: 173 Child Labour Complaints Reported in 2025

COLOMBO (News 1st) - Today is World Day Against Child Labour. 

It is being observed this year under the theme, "A Country Free of Child Labour, a Better Tomorrow for Children." 

The National Child Protection Authority (NCPA) says there is a growing risk of children being drawn into child labour in the future, citing the number of complaints received in recent years.

According to reports issued by the NCPA, 173 complaints related to child labour were recorded last year.

The NCPA further revealed that it received three complaints involving the employment of children for sexual activities, 53 complaints related to child trafficking, and 287 complaints concerning the use of children for begging. 

Meanwhile, the Authority warned that incidents of child abuse through cyber technology have also seen an increase in recent times. 

It added that 71 occupations considered hazardous to the safety, health, and well-being of children have been identified so far.