The eldest - Samanmali (18) is in Grade 13 while the second - Pethum Piyumal (12) and third - Nipun Sandaruwan (10) are studying in Grade 7 and Grade 5 respectively.

The children, who are being looked after by their paternal grandmother, have barely enough to eat, let alone continue their education.

The siblings' father, an asthma patient had died due to surgery in the stomach when he was hospitalised.

Although they had complained to the police that the death was suspicious, it had been in vain, says the grandmother.

The children's mother had gone abroad for employment but she had gone missing without a trace three years ago. We learn that she is yet to send any word to the family.

Although a complaint on this regard has been made to the Foreign Employment Bureau, authorities have not yet responded, the grandmother adds.

Good samaritans who wish to help these children can contact them via 0714596129 / 0725411183.