•  PM calls for digital safety 

President Anura Kumara Dissanayake has stressed the Government’s responsibility to ensure the physical and mental well-being, protection and development of children, saying that every child should have equal opportunities to pursue their aspirations. Issuing a message to mark the World Children’s Day, he said that children’s imagination, aspirations and creativity would shape the future and called for an environment where children’s voices are heard and their potential supported. The Government is taking steps to expand access to education, social protection, healthcare, nutrition, sports, leisure and recreation, while protecting children from violence and discrimination. Race, religion, economic status and geographical location should not prevent children from receiving an education or achieving their potential. He also highlighted the ongoing reform of Sri Lanka’s education system, describing the planned transformation as a move towards a skills-based system suited to changing global conditions. The Government’s objective is to reduce the burden on parents while creating a learning environment that does not cause unnecessary distress to children. Measures are also being taken to support children in child development centres and those requiring care, while expanding educational scholarships and other programmes intended to strengthen children’s protection and social security. Addressing the country’s economic situation, he said that the Government is working to establish a stable economy capable of providing children with a safe and secure childhood. The national programme “A Nation United” is aimed at bringing communities together to address the threat posed by illicit drugs to the younger generation. He commended the Women and Child Affairs Ministry for organising this year’s (2026) Day celebrations under the theme “Strong Minds – Enriched Children” and for declaring a National Children’s Day Week featuring programmes focused on children’s rights, protection, education and well-being.

Meanwhile, Prime Minister and Education Minister Dr. Harini Amarasuriya has called for greater attention to children’s mental and psychosocial well-being, child protection and digital safety. The Premier said that yesterday (1) remains a significant day, providing an opportunity to celebrate children while recognising the contribution of older generations and reflecting on the country’s responsibilities towards future generations. The theme is particularly relevant amid rapid social and technological changes that are reshaping childhood. Education, healthcare and material security remain essential to children’s development, while emotional security, confidence, dignity and freedom from fear, violence, humiliation and discrimination are equally important. The growing use of digital technology and artificial intelligence has created new opportunities for children while also exposing them to risks such as cyberbullying, harassment, harmful content and exploitation. The Government is taking steps to strengthen child protection both online and offline. Work on appropriate safeguards relating to children’s access to social media and digital platforms is being considered with reference to international experience, while seeking to ensure that children can continue to benefit from technology for education, creativity and development. She also highlighted concerns over violence against children, saying that bullying, harassment, humiliation and violent forms of discipline can have lasting effects on children’s confidence, emotional development and sense of security. The Government is working to strengthen the legal framework relating to corporal punishment and promote disciplinary approaches that safeguard children’s dignity and well-being. Child labour was also addressed. The Government had strengthened the Employment of Women, Young Persons and Children Act, increasing fines for relevant offences from Rs. 10,000 to Rs. 100,000. The Amendment was passed by Parliament in August and endorsed last month (in September) as Act, No. 21 of 2026. The existing Legislation prohibits the employment of children below 16 years. The measures formed part of a broader commitment to ensuring that every child has the opportunity to grow up safe, healthy, educated and confident, regardless of economic circumstances, geographical location, language, ethnicity, religion, gender, disability or other differences. Government action alone would not be sufficient to create such an environment, and parents, teachers, caregivers, communities, institutions and society as a whole has a shared responsibility to protect children. Dr. Amarasuriya called for greater attention to children’s voices and experiences, urging adults to create environments where children can seek help without stigma, learn without humiliation and grow without violence. “When we strengthen the minds of our children, we strengthen the future,” she said.

Elsewhere, Opposition Leader Sajith Premadasa has called for a new approach to State policy to address the challenges emerging from rapid changes in society and to safeguard both children and adults. Changing social attitudes and conditions required the State to formulate policies from a new perspective, with greater attention to the challenges faced by different generations.

PHOTO Krishan Kariyawasam