Child marriage is a tragic reality that affects many young girls in Sri Lanka. In fact, the country has one of the highest rates of child marriage in South Asia. According to the United Nations, 12% of girls in Sri Lanka are married before the age of 18.
Child marriage has a devastating impact on the lives of young girls. It robs them of their childhood, denies them their right to education, and exposes them to physical and emotional harm. Many young girls who are forced into marriage suffer from domestic violence and abuse.
10% of girls in Sri Lanka are married or in a union before the age of 18 and 1% are married or in a union before their 15th birthday
The impact of child marriage is not limited to the affected girls. It also has severe consequences for families, communities, and the country as a whole. Child marriage perpetuates poverty, reinforces gender inequality, and hinders economic development.
Despite the efforts of various organizations and government agencies to combat child marriage, the practice continues in Sri Lanka. In 2017, a 13-year-old girl named S. Vidusha was forced to marry a 26-year-old man in the Eastern Province of Sri Lanka. Her family, who were struggling financially, saw the marriage as a way to alleviate their economic burden. However, Vidusha’s life was forever changed as a result of this decision.
These marriages are not just a problem in rural areas. In 2018, a 16-year-old girl from Colombo was forced to marry a 45-year-old man. Her parents were promised a substantial amount of money by the groom’s family in exchange for their daughter’s hand in marriage.
It’s heartbreaking to think that young girls like Vidusha and the 16-year-old from Colombo are forced into marriages that they are not ready for. We must do more to protect the rights of children and end child marriage in Sri Lanka. It’s time to take action and ensure that young girls are able to reach their full potential, free from the burden of early marriage.
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