The National Child Protection Authority has received more than 5,000 complaints of child abuse so far this year.
Its chairman Udaya Kumara Amarasinghe said the total from 01 January to 31 July amounted to 5,456.
They included 1,296 complaint of cruelty against children, 163 complaints of causing serious injuries, 242 complaints of grave sexual abuse and 196 complaints of children being forced to work as beggars.
He said special attention would be paid to prevent child beggars who mostly frequent Colombo and other urban suburbs.
At the same time, there have been 110 complaints, 76 of them concerning boys, relating to the abuse of children through social media and the cyberspace.
The NCPA chairman said the complaints have been referred to the respective police stations for investigation.
Meanwhile, cabinet approval is to be sought next month to a five-year national plan for the protection of children.
(adaderana.lk)
