The National Child Protection Authority (NCPA) has cautioned against children being present at places where public protests are held.

NCPA Chairman Udayakumara Amarasinghe said it has drawn special attention to the children’s participation in public protests and demonstrations in Colombo and other parts of the country, with their parents and guardians. The Chairman said that various parties have been affected due to the unrest and clashes that have erupted during such public protests and demonstrations in recent days.

Therefore, the NCPA warns parents that children are at risk of injury or physical and mental harm due to their participation in such events.

In 1991, the Government of Sri Lanka became a party to the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child and became a party to Article 3 of the Convention, which states that all parties, including parents and guardians, are obliged to ensure the best interests of children. Therefore, the NCPA kindly requests all parties, including parents and guardians, to refrain from involving children in public protests and demonstrations as it is the responsibility of all parties to ensure the safety and well-being of children.