Minister of Education, Prime Minister Harini Amarasuriya, says discussions are underway to introduce an age-appropriate sex education program for children, with the objective of reducing sexual abuse.

Addressing an event, PM Amarasuriya pointed out the increase in sexual abuse of children in Sri Lanka and the need to educate children in this regard.

She further said that the Health Ministry, the Family Health Bureau, and the National Child Protection Authority have requested the Education Ministry to include sex education in the school curriculum. 

“We have introduced a health module for Grade 06. This teaches children about maintaining their health. The Health Ministry and specialists from the Family Health Bureau have specifically called for the inclusion of sex education for children to help protect children from sexual abuse. The National Child Protection Authority has pointed out to us that child sex abuse is a serious issue in the country and that it was essential to educate them on protecting their bodies,” she said. 

PM Amarasuriya went on to note that discussions are underway with the Health Ministry and the National Child Protection Authority in this regard, and they have submitted their recommendations on the matter. 

“We haven’t made a decision yet on how, when, and to what age of children the recommendations should be implemented. After discussions with the relevant experts, we will introduce an age-appropriate sex education programme. We are of the opinion that children must be given sex education to protect their bodies and understand the changes that occur in the body,” she said. 

The Education Minister added that the sex education curriculum will be formed based on the advise of experts, especially those from the Health Sector.