Strengthening Child Protection for Children with Disabilities in Sri Lanka: Insights from Expert Interviews

Abstract

This article explores challenges in Sri Lanka’s child protection system for children with disabilities (CWDs), based on perspectives from 11 professionals across government, nongovernmental organisations (NGOs) and academia. Semi-structured interviews were analysed using thematic analysis to identify critical gaps in policy, legal protections, services and societal attitudes. Findings underscore the urgent need for inclusive and enforceable systems aligned with the United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (CRPD). Drawing on expert insights, the study proposes eight practical strategies, including improving inter-agency coordination, strengthening legal frameworks, enhancing data systems, promoting human rights-based approaches and supporting caregivers and professionals. These recommendations are designed to be cost-conscious and achievable within current institutional capacities. The study highlights the importance of integrating expert views into system-level reforms, particularly in low- and middle-income settings. While the focus remains on professional perspectives, the findings offer transferable insights for strengthening disability-inclusive child protection globally. The article aims to inform policy dialogue and collaborative action that prioritise the rights and well-being of all children.

Keywords

Child protection children with disabilities Sri Lanka disability rights expert interviews

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