Prime Minister Harini Amarasuriya says an age-appropriate sex education programme should be introduced for children to prevent sexual misconduct and abuse.

Addressing an event in Kandy, she said the initiative will be implemented based on expert guidance and recommendations. Her remarks were made during a public awareness programme held to brief Kandy District representatives on upcoming education reforms.

The Prime Minister said a Grade 6 textbook suitable for students’ age has already been prepared. She noted that the Ministry of Health, particularly the Family Health Bureau, has consistently stressed the need for sex education, especially as incidents of sexual abuse and harassment against children continue to rise.

She added that the National Child Protection Authority has also highlighted the seriousness of the issue and the need to educate children on safeguarding their bodies. Discussions are currently under way with relevant ministries and authorities to obtain further recommendations.

A final decision on the timeline and age level for introducing the programme has not yet been made. However, the Prime Minister noted that as children begin to experience physical changes, they should receive appropriate guidance on self-protection, in line with expert advice from the health sector.