Over 1,700 children subjected to various crimes

1,724 children were subjected to various crimes including grave crimes - murder, rape, serious injuries and kidnapping- during the first six months of the year.

The children are under 18. According to the OIC of the Women's and Children's Bureau (WCB), Buddhika Balachandra over 1,089 complaints of grave crimes have been reported to the Bureau from January to July this year.

Fifteen children were killed and several were seriously injured during the six months.

The Bureau has received over 38 complaints of assault against underaged children by their guardians.

The highest number of grave crimes - 84 has been reported from the Ratnapura district. Over 635 minor crimes were reported to the WCB.