A total of 161 school-age children who are currently not attending school have been identified across the Kalutara District in 2025, according to details presented at the latest District Coordination Committee meeting.
The issue was brought to light during the meeting held at the Kalutara District Secretariat under the patronage of Nalinda Jayatissa, who also serves as Chairman of the Kalutara District Coordination Committee.
A report submitted by the district’s Child Rights Promotion Officer revealed that the highest number of out-of-school children was recorded in the Dodangoda Divisional Secretariat Division, where 51 cases were identified. Other divisions reporting significant numbers included Horana with 20 children, while Panadura, Kalutara, and Matugama each reported 15 cases. Beruwala recorded 14 children, followed by Palindanuwara with 8, Bandaragama and Agalawatte with 7 each, Ingiriya with 4, and Millaniya and Madurawala with 2 cases each. Walallawita reported a single case, while no out-of-school children were reported from Bulathsinhala.
Officials noted encouraging progress in efforts to bring children back into the education system, with 42 children already returning to school. Among them were students from several divisions including Kalutara, Matugama, Bandaragama, Dodangoda, Madurawala, and Palindanuwara.
The meeting also reviewed institutional measures aimed at addressing the issue. Authorities stated that School Supervision Committees have now been established in 12 of the 14 Divisional Secretariat Divisions within the district. Only Beruwala and Matugama are yet to form these committees.
The latest figures underscore ongoing efforts by district authorities to identify vulnerable children and strengthen mechanisms to ensure every child has access to education.
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