The only children's reformatory home in Sri Lanka was located in Koggala, Galle. It is believed to have been established in the 1950s-60s after the Hikkaduwa Certified School was initiated. With the introduction of the open economic policy in 1977, free trade zones were established in Sri Lanka. Under this free trade zone concept, the land where the Koggala reformatory home was situated was acquired to set up a new trade zone. As a result, the reformatory home was temporarily established in a section of the Hikkaduwa Certified School in the early 1980s. Later, around 1991, the institution was relocated to Halpothota in Baddegama, at the site known as the Chinese work camp under the Gin River Project, where Chinese nationals were housed. The new institution, named Halpothota Children's Reformatory Home, occupies more than 2 acres of land and continues to operate today with various physical modifications. According to the Reformatory Schools Ordinance, this institution is the only children's reformatory home in Sri Lanka that can accommodate both boys and girls. Children between the ages of 6 and 18 who are in various vulnerable situations, facing legal issues, or living on the streets are admitted only through court orders. The institution provides all necessary care services for the children, and most are enrolled in the nearest school to receive education. Subsequently, those who require it are given vocational training with the primary aim of reintegrating them into society.