Securing kids’ safety a must for those seeking jobs abroad

(November 03, Colombo, Sri Lanka Guardian) The Ministry of Justice and Law Reforms has made it compulsory for parents travelling overseas for employment to produce before court a report confirming the safety of their children prior to departure. “Laws in this regard will be formulated soon,” said Suhada Gamlath, Secretary to the Ministry.

According to Mr. Gamlath, parents who travel overseas for employment will have to present the report confirming the safety of their children to court via the Child Care and Probation Officer in their respective areas.


Mr. Gamlath noted that the new laws would be implemented after taking into consideration the various sexual and even psychological forms of harassment such children undergo in certain instances when their parents take wing to other countries for employment.

Under the new laws, the magistrate in the area will have complete jurisdiction to look into the guardianship of such children.

The secretary said that thereby, the court would also have jurisdiction to obtain a report on such children once in six months.

-Sri Lanka Guardian