Children Aged 11–17 Key Targets of Drug Traffickers, Says Minister of Public Administration

COLOMBO (News 1st) -

Minister of Public Administration, Provincial Councils and Local Government, Professor Chandana Abeyratne says children between the ages of 11 and 17 have become a primary target of drug traffickers. 

The Minister made these remarks while attending a Divisional Coordinating Committee meeting in Pallama, Puttalam District.

Minister pointed out that the weakening of the family as a social unit has led to child neglect and rising child abuse cases, which have become derious social issues.

The Minister further noted that family background plays a major role in child neglect and abandonment.

He stressed that public representatives, government officials, and citizens all have a shared responsibility to prevent such situations, adding that the government’s goal is to completely eradicate the drug trade.