Minister voices concern over 15-year-old girl and newborn found in Knuckles area

Minister of Women and Child Affairs Saroja Savithri Paul Raj has expressed shock over an incident in which a 15-year-old girl was found with a newborn after an unsafe delivery in the Knuckles area. In a statement issued on November 14, she said both the girl and the baby were now safe and that relevant departments had been instructed to take necessary interventions to protect their health and future wellbeing.

The Minister said weakening communication between parents and children had made children feel insecure even at home, and she urged parents to build trust so children feel safe with them. She also said the Ministry was allocating funds to implement a new Alternative Care Policy from 2027 for children in unsafe situations.