Opposition Leader Sajith Premadasa has raised an urgent call for a comprehensive national plan to address the alarming issue of child poverty in Sri Lanka.
Speaking at an event at Mahagama Sekara Maha Vidyalaya, Premadasa highlighted that 25% of the country’s children are affected by child poverty, with 42% experiencing multidimensional poverty according to international statistics.
Premadasa emphasized the necessity of immediate action, proposing the establishment of a Presidential Task Force dedicated to eradicating child poverty. He suggested implementing this initiative through District Secretariats across all 25 districts to ensure effective local-level intervention.
The Opposition Leader criticizing the government for lacking a plan to address the issue, underscored the severe consequences of child poverty, describing it as a vicious cycle.
Poverty prevents children from attending school, leading to inadequate education, poor exam results, unemployment, and ongoing poverty, Premadasa said. (Newswire)