Special Event to mark the Anniversary of the Convention on the Rights of the Child (CRC) and the Parliamentary Caucus for Children was held in Parliament recently under the patronage of Hon. Mahinda Yapa Abeywardana, the Speaker of Parliament.
The special event was organized in collaboration with the ”Parliamentary Caucus for Children” and the United Nations International Children’s Emergency Fund (UNICEF) in order to ensure the continued protection of children’s rights.
The United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child, which was announced on November 20 th , 1989, completes 33 years post coming to effect. Sri Lanka signed the convention in 1991 and in 2014, on its 25 th anniversary, the ”Parliamentary Caucus for Children” was established. Hon. Mahinda Yapa Abeywardana, the Speaker of Parliament said that since it is reported that cases of child abuse are increasing day by day, necessary legal changes will be made to secure children’s rights.
Hon. Rohini Kumari Wijerathna, the Chairperson of the Parliamentary Caucus for Children, said here that her caucus will intervene in the future to solve the problems and shortcomings affecting children in the fields of health, nutrition, education, etc. Mr. Christian Skoong, the UNICEF Representative for Sri Lanka, who evaluated the work of the Parliamentary Caucus for Children, said that he will support the programs launched for the safety of children in the future.
Minister of Education and Leader of the House Hon. (Dr.) Susil Premajayantha, Hon. Sajith Premadasa, Leader of the Opposition, Hon. (Dr.) Sudarshini Fernandopulle, founding chairperson of the Parliamentary Caucus for Children also expressed their views at this event.
Members of Parliament, youth representing the university community, Chief of Staff and Deputy Secretary General of the Parliament and Secretary of the Parliamentary Caucus for Children Mrs. Kushani Rohanadeera were also present on this occasion.
