Rise in children not attending school - ASP

Raja Waidysekera, Tissanmaharamaspecial corr

A large number of children in Kataragama and Sellakataragama do not attend school, said ASP Hambantota Upali Senanayaka.

He said most of these children are used by individuals for nefarious activities.

Meanwhile, Ven Alutwewa Soratha Thera, Viharadipathi of Kataragama Kiri Vehera and Uva University Chancellor said it was the devotees who throng Kataragama and Sellakataragama who "convert" lower income group people to beggars by giving them food clothing and other necessities.