Riya Mala 
Assistant Minister for Health and Medical Services, Penioni Ravunawa, says child sexual abuse and rape often committed by family members or trusted community leaders are exploiting vulnerable girls and leading to teenage pregnancies.
While delivering his end-of-week statement this morning, Ravunawa says that teenage pregnancy drastically reduces a girl’s chances of completing her education, limits her employment opportunities, and increases her health risks from maternal complications.
He emphasized that society must break the silence on abuse and ensure perpetrators are held fully accountable.
Ravunawa adds that in 2023, hospitals recorded 519 teenage pregnancies, including 15 girls under the age of 15 and 504 girls aged 15 to 19.
He says that in 2024, teenage pregnancies rose to 858, with 17 girls under 15, and 489 cases were already recorded from January to May this year.
“These are not just numbers they are children, some only 12 or 13 years old, forced into motherhood long before their bodies, minds, and hearts are ready. This is more than a health issue; it is a social justice crisis.”
Ravunawa says that for girls under 15, teenage pregnancy is rarely a choice, but often the result of rape, incest, or abuse, with perpetrators frequently being family members, trusted community figures, or leaders in positions of authority.
He encouraged families to break the cycle of silence and take action by holding perpetrators accountable.
He is urging families, the government, traditional leaders, NGOs, and civil society organizations to work together to combat these issues.
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