Sri Lanka, Sept. 15 -- The Ministry of Women and Child Affairs has taken steps to introduce a mandatory clearance certificate for public-sector employees whose duties involve direct contact with children, Women and Child Affairs Minister Saroja Savithri Paulraj said.

Speaking at a media briefing held at the Department of Government Information, Minister Paulraj said the Cabinet paper proposing the new requirement has already been submitted for approval.

Under the proposed system, individuals seeking public-sector positions involving direct contact with children would be required to obtain a formal clearance certificate from the police or another relevant authority confirming that they have no record of child-related offences or allegat...