NCPA 24-hour hotline to combat child abuse

Dharma SRI ABEYRATNE

The National Child Protection Authority (NCPA) yesterday introduced the 24 hour hotline 'Child Line' to inform of cases of child abuse and defend children.

The NCPA can be contacted free of charge throughout the day over any telephone network by dialling 1929.

The Line was officially launched by First Lady Shiranthi Rajapaksa.

NCPA Chairperson Anoma Dissanayake said the service can be utilised by any person or even a child on any sort of child-related issue such as child abuse, harassment, child labour, complaints and so on.

The hotline also has a free of charge counselling service. The children who need counselling can contact the NCPA and then the children will be assisted by experts to stabilise their mental make-up.

"This will help to bring down the suicide rate among children as problems which cannot be discussed with teachers or parents can be discussed with experts," Dissanayake added.

Child Development and Women Empowerment Minister Tissa Karaliyadde said the hotline service is a long-felt need.