The government has rolled out a dedicated Child-Friendly Transport System to improve how children are transported to and from Provincial Probation and Child Protection Departments, Minister of Women and Children’s Affairs Saroja Savitri Paulraj announced on Wednesday.Speaking at an official ceremony held at the ministry premises in Battaramulla, the minister said the initiative was introduced in response to persistent concerns about children being transported in prison vehicles. She noted that such practices often exposed children to distressing situations, including travel in buses clearly marked for prison use, sharing space with adult offenders, and, in some cases, being transported alongside alleged perpetrators. These experiences, she said, amounted to secondary victimisation within the justice system.
Minister Paulraj pointed out that the Supreme Court had also underscored the need for a specialised transport mechanism in its ruling on Fundamental Rights case S.C. (F/R) 335/2010.
As an initial step, five newly acquired Toyota vans have been distributed to Provincial Councils in the Southern, Sabaragamuwa, Western, North Western and Northern Provinces. She further explained that under the government’s policy framework, “A Prosperous Country – A Beautiful Life”, and the thematic vision “A Safe Childhood, A Creative Future Generation”, Rs. 250 million was allocated in the current budget for child transport facilities. In line with this allocation, nine vehicles—one for each province—were officially handed over yesterday.
To ensure the smooth operation of the new system, the government has created 54 new provincial-level positions, despite the ongoing suspension of public sector recruitment. Each province will be assigned six officers, including drivers, caretakers and security personnel. Recruitment has already begun, and specialised training programmes will be provided immediately after appointments, the minister said.
The transport system will be closely monitored and further strengthened where necessary. Minister Paulraj added that the government intends to intensify interventions in women’s and children’s welfare in the coming year, with the aim of improving social indicators alongside economic progress.
She also noted that the issue of safely transporting children under court orders—whether victims, suspects or offenders—has been debated for years. Such children are often placed temporarily in safe houses or detention centres, and transport arrangements had previously relied on the Prisons Department, raising serious ethical and child protection concerns. Addressing these issues, she said, was a key reason behind establishing the new child-friendly transport mechanism.
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