The impact of poverty during childhood can have adverse effects on children, which are irreversible. Sustainable eradication of childhood extreme child poverty requires urgent attention of the planners and policy makers, as extreme child poverty could lead to an intergenerational poverty cycle. Free education including university education, compulsory education for all children from age 5 to 14 years, universal health care facilities, are provided even in the most remote areas and a range of other welfare programmes have been implemented for more than six decades. These have contributed to impressive results in education, health and reduction of poverty and improving the living conditions of people across the country. However, there is more to be done.
The aim of this study is to have a closer look at poor and vulnerable children in Sri Lanka, who are faced with various deprivations, related to access to education, safe water and sanitation.