The programme to eradicate child Labour from Colombo district is to be initiated on October 01 at 5.00pm at the Colombo District Secretariat auditorium under the auspices of Minister of Labour - W.D.J. Seneviratne and State minister of Labour - Ravindra Samaraweera.

Speaking to 'Sri Lanka Mirror', a spokesperson of the Women's and Children's Affairs Division said that the they hope to eradicate hazardous child labour from Sri Lanka by 2016.

A pilot project on this regard was initiated in the Rathnapura district in 2013 and was expanded to the districts of Kegalle and Ampara in 2014.

Hazardous child labour
At the present, 51 types of work including sand mining, quarrying as well as work involving fish and salt production have been identified and gazetted as hazardous child labour.

In order to secure children, no child below 14 years of age cannot be used for any type of child labour and no child between 14-18 years of age can be used for hazardous labour.

A programme has been initiated with the involvement of District Secretariat offices to search for solutions, the spokesperson of the Women's and Children's Affairs Division added.

In addition, an integrated child development plan has been initiated and the IMF has given its assent to provide assistance.

Walk
In addition to the above mentioned event on October 01, a walk will be held on the same day in Narahenpita from 8.00am, as a mark of protest against child labour.