Sexual abuse fears loom large as Sri Lanka activists oppose plan to train boys as monks...

Child rights activists in Sri Lanka have criticised a plan by the prime minister to ordain 2,600 boys as Buddhist monks by next May.

Prime Minister DM Jayaratne says the move is aimed at boosting Buddhism and lifting young people out of poverty.

Next May marks the 2,600th anniversary of Lord Buddha's enlightenment.

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Sri Lanka's National Child Protection Authority (NCPA) has arrested scores of Buddhist monks for alleged sex abuse of boys in their care in recent years.

Just one monk was convicted on sex abuse charges. There have been numerous allegations of abuse from parents and children. Full story...

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