New Child Rights Bill moves forward after Cabinet approval

Cabinet approved a proposal to fast-track the drafting of a new Child Rights Bill aimed at strengthening the protection and welfare of children in Sri Lanka.

The proposed legislation will seek to safeguard all rights recognised under the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child, in addition to protections already provided under existing laws, the government said.

A decision was previously taken in February 2024 to prepare legislation on the title 'Rights of Child Compact Act'. Cabinet now has approved renaming the proposed law as the 'Child Rights Act'.

According to the government, a revised concept paper was prepared incorporating additional areas identified for inclusion in the legislation, while the Legal Draftsman’s Department already commenced work on the draft bill.

The latest Cabinet approval authorises the Legal Draftsman to proceed with and expedite the completion of the legislation based on the updated concept paper.

Women and Child Affairs Minister Saroja Savithri Paulraj presented the proposal to the Cabinet.