Institutional care is provided to children who have lost both their parents or guardians or are under the guardianship of one or both parents but  there is no protection or security in the homes they are living in, as well as to orphaned and abandoned children in detention centers or child development centers.

It has been reported that there are about 9,191 children in the residential care of 356 children Development Centers that are maintained by the government, voluntary organizations, and non-governmental organizations throughout the country as at the end of 2024.

A provision of Rs. 1,000 million has been allocated by the budget for 2025 to provide a Rs. 5,000 /-allowance monthly for the children or street children who are in institutional care or guardianship.

Accordingly, the Cabinet of Ministers has approved the proposal presented by the Minister of Women and Child Affairs to appoint a monitoring committee chaired by the Secretary to the Ministry of Women and Child Affairs, comprising officers from other relevant institutions for the necessary guidance and post-review activities to continue this program sustainably and effectively, and to provide the aforementioned allowance in the following manner.

• Out of the Rs. 5,000 allowance, Rs. 3,000/- will be made available through the National Savings Bank to the development center where  the child is  or the  guardian,  for the education, health, and other welfare expenses that should be provided by them through the National Savings Bank.

• The balance amount of Rs. 2000/- should be deposited monthly in a savings account in the child’s name at the National Savings Bank for his / her  future well-being.

The primary objective of the child rehabilitation process is to identify the disruptive behaviour of a child who becomes a criminal before the law and to enable him or her to live as a law-abiding citizen in society.

Accordingly, when taking action against a child who has become a criminal before the law, mediation, admonition and release, conditional release, probation for child offenders who can be rehabilitated in the open environment, rehabilitation under Community Correctional Service, and detention in correctional
centers are carried out depending on the nature of the offense.

It has been identified that the economic and social background of children who become criminals before the law and family background should be studied, and the rehabilitation of such children should be carried out in accordance with the accepted national policy.

Accordingly, the Cabinet of Ministers has approved the proposal presented by the Minister of Women and Child Affairs to draft “The national policy for the rehabilitation of child offenders” with the contribution of the government, other stake holders, and the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF).

Prime Minister Dr. Harini Amarasuriya stated that the government is working towards a tourism development initiative aimed at promoting tourism at rural level by strengthening the capacity of local tourism service providers.

The Prime Minister made these remarks while participating in the inaugural ceremony of the China–Sri Lanka–Maldives Tourism Forum, held on Monday [June 16 ] at the Cinnamon Life Hotel in Colombo, under the theme “Connectivity and Collaborative Success along the Silk Road.”

Addressing the event, the Prime Minister further stated:

“The primary vision of this forum is not only to boost economic growth through the tourism industry but also to foster  cultural understanding, and regional cooperation within South Asia.

China continues to attract millions of tourists with its vast and diverse landscapes, centuries-old heritage sites, and distinctly modern cities.

The Maldives represents idyllic islands with pristine coral reefs, crystal-clear waters, and world-renowned luxury resorts.

Sri Lanka, offers a unique blend of experiences from the sacred city of Anuradhapura to the Sigiriya Rock Fortress, from the golden southern coastline to the mist-covered tea plantations of the central highlands.

The government is currently focused on building a tourism industry that not only focuses on generating income but also protects our ecosystems, values our cultural heritage, and empowers our communities.

In this regard, regional cooperation is of vital importance to Sri Lanka. This forum creates the path for streamline visa processes, align health and safety standards, develop integrated marketing strategies, and attract international investments.

Our aim is to transform the tourism sector into one that reaches rural communities, supports women entrepreneurs, and encourages youth participation.

The government is already taking measures to promote eco-tourism, enhance digital tourism infrastructure, and strengthen the capacity of local tourism service providers.

Particularly, attention has also been directed toward establishing a community-based tourism model that ensures tourism benefits reach underrepresented regions of the country.

Collaborating with the innovations of China presents an opportunity to elevate the tourism industry to new heights in Sri Lanka.

It is important to remember that the true value of the tourism industry lies not only in its economic returns but also in its ability to nurture human connections. It provides the power to dismantle uniform perspectives, foster empathy, and build peace. In a divided world, tourism opens pathways to unite across borders, cultures, and generations.”

The event was attended by the heads of the Chinese and Maldivian diplomatic missions in Sri Lanka, along with a delegation from the Chinese Ministry of Culture and Tourism, and other distinguished guests.

[Prime Minister’s Media Division]