Sri Lanka plans child-protection clearance for public-sector recruits

Soon, people entering public-sector jobs, particularly those involving direct contact with children, will need to obtain certification confirming that they have not been accused of child-related offences.

Women and Child Affairs Minister Saroja Paulraj said the Ministry had submitted a Cabinet paper seeking approval for the requirement.

Speaking at a media briefing at the Department of Government Information, Paulraj said the certificates would have to be obtained from the Police or another authorised institution.

The proposed requirement would apply especially to people recruited to positions that give them access to children.

Paulraj said existing public-sector employees would also be required to renew the certification at specified stages of their service, including when receiving salary increments or completing service milestones.

The renewed certificate would confirm that the employee had not been involved in child-related offences during the relevant period.

The Minister said the measure was intended to strengthen safeguards for children and ensure that people working in positions of trust met appropriate standards.