2,718 children dropped out of school last year

By Lalith Chaminda

A Department of Probation and Child Care Services report shows that 2,718 children have dropped out of school in 2021.The Department is in charge of assisting children who drop out of school for economic and other reasons.

Last year, the Department established a scholarship fund for such children with an allocation of Rs. 16 million.A National Audit Office report on the Department says that although 65 years have elapsed since establishing the institution, they have done nothing to come up with a child protection ordinance that adheres to international standards.

The National Audit Office also says that the Cabinet of Ministers on 06 March 2021 had instructed the Department to commence formulating such an ordinance. However, nothing had been done by the end of 2021.