October 01, Colombo (LNW): Sri Lanka is observing World Children’s Day today (October 1), with this year’s celebrations centred on the theme “Strengthened Minds – Enriched Children”, placing particular emphasis on children’s emotional wellbeing, development and future prospects.
The Ministry of Women and Child Affairs launched a National Children’s Day Week on September 25, organising a range of activities and programmes aimed at creating greater awareness of children’s rights and wellbeing.
The week-long programme will conclude this morning with a special event at the University of Sri Jayewardenepura, held under the patronage of Prime Minister Dr Harini Amarasuriya.
Reflecting on the significance of the occasion, Minister of Women and Child Affairs Savithri Paulraj called on parents to make the protection, wellbeing and future of their children a continuing priority.
Child and adolescent mental health specialist Dr Miyuru Chandradasa also urged parents to maintain close attention to their children’s needs throughout the year, stressing that care and guidance should not be confined to annual celebrations such as World Children’s Day.
The celebrations will also include recreational opportunities for children. Those under 12 will be allowed free entry today to both the Dehiwala National Zoological Gardens and the Pinnawala Elephant Orphanage.
According to Chandana Rajapaksa, Director General of the Department of National Zoological Gardens, the Dehiwala Zoo has arranged several special activities to give children an enjoyable experience while marking the occasion.