Don't Fall Prey to Those Trafficking Information of Orphaned Children

 Information has been revealed about a fraudulent racket operating amidst the floods and landslides caused by the prevailing adverse weather conditions, collecting data on children who have lost their parents. Ms. Shanika Malalgoda, Director (Planning/Information) of the National Child Protection Authority, revealed at a press conference yesterday (10) that these traffickers are attempting to steal children's data under the guise of providing aid and assistance to the affected children.

Authorities strongly urge the public to refrain from providing personal information and photographs of children to any external individual or group requesting such details via social media platforms like WhatsApp and Facebook Messenger.

She pointed out that providing children's information to individuals who claim to offer assistance in this manner could place those children in a highly vulnerable situation, potentially harming their future and their self-esteem.

She emphasized that if information about children must be provided, it should only be given to the Grama Niladhari (village officer) of the respective area, the National Child Protection Authority, or officials of the Department of Probation and Child Care. Providing children's details to any third party outside of these state institutions carries the risk of them becoming victims of traffickers.

Furthermore, Ms. Shanika Malalgoda clarified that while various individuals and organizations may come forward expressing willingness to take custody of orphaned children, no one can be granted custody of a child in an illegal manner. Since the transfer of a child's custody is a process that must occur only through court proceedings or with the intervention of the Department of Probation, she advised adults to refrain from handing over children to external individuals.

If such suspicious individuals or groups are seen in your area or if they request children's information via social media, you are urged to immediately contact the National Child Protection Authority's hotline 1929 and provide the information.