October 01, Colombo (LNW): President Anura Kumara Dissanayake has called for stronger efforts to safeguard the wellbeing and future of Sri Lanka’s children, stressing that every child should be given a fair chance to learn, develop their talents and pursue their ambitions regardless of their background.
In a message issued to mark World Children’s Day, the President said the ideas, creativity and aspirations of young people would play an important role in determining the country’s future. He emphasised the need to create an environment in which children are listened to, protected and encouraged to reach their full potential.
The Government, he said, was working to widen children’s access to education, healthcare, nutrition, social protection, sports and recreational activities, while strengthening measures to protect them from abuse, violence and discrimination.
Dissanayake also stressed that factors such as ethnicity, religion, household income or where a child lives should not determine their access to education or limit their prospects.
Turning to education reform, the President said the Government was pursuing changes designed to develop a more skills-oriented education system capable of preparing young people for a rapidly changing world. The reforms are also intended to ease the pressures faced by families and create a learning environment in which children can develop without unnecessary stress.
Attention is also being given to children living in development centres and those requiring specialised care, while scholarships and other support schemes are being expanded to strengthen their social protection and access to educational opportunities.
The President linked the wellbeing of children to the country’s broader economic stability, saying efforts were under way to build a stronger and more sustainable economy capable of giving the younger generation a secure foundation for the future.
He also referred to the Government’s “A Nation United” initiative, which seeks to mobilise society against the spread of illicit drugs and protect young people from their harmful effects.
Dissanayake praised the Ministry of Women and Child Affairs for arranging this year’s World Children’s Day activities under the theme “Strong Minds – Enriched Children”. He noted that the National Children’s Day Week had brought together a series of programmes addressing children’s rights, education, protection and overall wellbeing.
The President concluded his message by extending his greetings and best wishes to children across Sri Lanka on World Children’s Day.