Beggars beware

by Ananda KANNANGARA

The Child Development and Women's Affairs Ministry will take stern action against elderly beggars who carry children and also organised child begging.

According to a recent survey carried out by the Ministry of Child Development, over 200 persons, male and female beg at bus stands, near colour lights and railway stations with small children in their arms.

Child Development and Women's Affairs Minister Tissa Karalliyadda told the Sunday Observer that begging at public places must be stopped immediately for the sake of innocent children and the public who face untold hardships.

The Minister receives a large number of complaints about young mothers in sound health begging near colour lights with disabled children.

"This is a very pathetic situation and I have already called upon the authorities to enforce laws with stringent punishment for those who lure or force children into begging".

Minister Karalliyadda said about 15 years ago there were around 20,000 child beggars and this figure has dropped drastically due to various measures taken by the Government to help people who beg. Some beggars were given houses and also provided jobs.

"However, some beggars are still in the habit of begging to earn more money," he said.