Govt funds to check child abuse

by S.M. Wijayaratne, Kurunegala Cor.

Child protection centres and a National Counselling Centre would be set up for victims of sexual harassment said Child Development, Women Affairs Minister Tissa Karaliyadda. He said his ministry has decided to set up child and women's development units in every divisional secretariat to assist such children and women.

The Government has provided Rs. 1,742 million for this year to check child abuse and violence against women in addition to RS. 700 million that has been allocated to the Ministry of Child Development and Women's Affairs.

The Sri Lanka Women's Bureau has been asked to set up regional counselling centres to ensure the welfare of orphaned children and helpless widows, the minister said.

LTTE terrorism displaced many women and children for over three decades.

They would be assisted to live happily and peacefully with a good future, the minister said.