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by Ananda Kannangara

Late Speaker Al Haj Dr. M. A. Bakeer Markar had a great love for children and youth of all communities. He fought for their rights considering they were the tower of strength in a country, said United Nations Children's Fund Resident Representative in Bangkok Dr. Gamini Abeysekera.

"If peace loving persons such as Dr. Bakeer Markar was alive today, he would have taken on himself the challenge of making Sri Lanka fit for children of all communities," he said delivering the fifth Bakeer Markar Memorial Lecture in Colombo on Tuesday. The theme of the lecture was "Towards National Unity With Children and Youth." Education Minister Dr. Karunasena Kodituwakku presided. It was organised by the Bakeer Markar Centre for National Unity. Mass Communication Minister Imtiyaz Bakeer Markar was also present.

"Even the United Nations accept that children and the youth must be given due place in the society. The birth of UNICEF was also a result of that," he said.

Dr. Abeysekera said the UNICEF is dedicated to children's well-being.

"Each and every child in the world has the right for their survival, protection, development and also for participation according to the UN convention on the Rights of the Child," he said.

"As we know, the UNICEF came into being in 1946, and has assisted children all over the world," Dr. Abeysekera said.

"It is a pity to say that millions of people have become victims of war and conflict and it is the infants, children and the youth who for no fault of theirs, suffer mostly", he said.

"Today's children who should be enjoying and growing up in a peaceful and harmonious environment, are deprived of the rights for survival, development and protection", Dr. Abeysekera said.

"When I was a UNICEF staff member in duty stations affected by conflicts in Nigeria, Sudan and Jerusalem, I personally witnessed and experienced how innocent children became disabled or orphans. They were thereafter physically and mentally tortured, psychologically distorted and as a result turned to militants, combatants or suicide bombers," he said.

He said during the past two decades, the world witnessed a growing threat of armed conflict which not only affected children but also turned them into child soldiers.

"As you are aware, the UNICEF with the help of agencies worldwide has been promoting concepts and approaches such as 'Children as a bridge for peace', 'Children as a Zone of Peace' and 'Child Friendly Space' to provide basic health and nutrition to children even during war and conflicts" he said.

Kanthimath Kathanayaka, a book written in Sinhala by Chamika Munasinghe was presented to invitees. A compact disc and also a souvenir, giving a brief description of the life story and political life of the late Speaker was also released.

Minister A. H. M. Azwer said the late Speaker had worked immensely for all communities. He worked tirelessly to safeguard the rights of children and youth, the Minister said. 

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