Lanka marks Children’s and Elders’ Day

Nadira Gunatilleke

Sri Lanka celebrates two significant days today. They are Universal Children’s Day and the International Elders’ Day. Arrangements have been made to celebrate these two days on a grand scale by the respective ministries.

Child Development and Women’s Empowerment Minister Sumedha G. Jayasena told the Daily News yesterday that the national ceremony organised by the Child Development and Women’s Empowerment Ministry to mark Universal Children’s Day will be held at Mahanama Vidyalaya, Moneragala on October 4.

Education Minister Susil Premajayantha will be the chief guest. Minister Jayasena said this year’s National celebrations will take place with the participation of 800 school children from Moneragala, Ampara and Badulla.

There will be a children’s camp from tomorrow to October 4 with the participation of ministers, professionals and scholars.

They will stay in the came with the children. Fifty scholarships will be awarded to needy children during the ceremony. Children will be provided spectacles and medical care.

Talented students who show their creativity during the camp will be given an opportunity to present their talents during the main ceremony. Gifts will be presented to children during the same ceremony.

Social Services and Social Welfare Deputy Minister Lionel Premasiri told the Daile News that the National ceremony organised by the Social Services and Social Welfare Ministry to mark International Elder’s Day will be held at Shariputhra Maha Vidyalaya, Ahangama in Galle on October 4 under his patronage.

Main ceremonies have been organised at all nine provinces on the same day under the direction of Social Services and Social Welfare Minister Douglas Devananda.