Sri Lanka Legal Aid Commission's efforts commended

Sarath Malalasekera in Hambantota

The Sri Lanka Legal Aid Commission's efforts made to protect the heritage of our children and to conduct a series of events which culminated with the Southern Province Inter-School Competition held to mark International Children's Rights Day was commendable, said Aviation, Port, Irrigation and Water Management Minister Chamal Rajapaksa in a message sent to the Legal Aid Commission Chairman S. S. Wijeratne.

The Legal Aid Commission conducted Inter-School Drama, Art and Oratorical Competition at the Suchi National School, Hambantota. The winners of the competition received prizes from Legal Aid Commission Chairman S. S. Wijeratne and other invitees at the ceremony held at the Suchi National School, Hambantota recently.

"Whilst being thankful for inviting me to preside over the ceremony to commemorate the International Children's Rights Day organised by the Sri Lanka Legal Aid Commission, I regret very much to convey to you my inability to be present at the occasion due to the need to be present in Parliament during the Budget debate," Minister Chamal Rajapaksa stated in the message.

The message also stated "whilst millions of children suffer violence all over the world due to terrorism, poverty and insufficient education, it is noted that your organisation - The Legal Aid Commission - extends its full patronage to our Government to protect the children."

"I wish your efforts to protect the cause of children be fruitful soon."

All the Maha Vidyalayas, Central Colleges and National Schools in Galle, Matara and Hambantota Districts participated in the contest and 150 students in different group participated in the final competition and prize giving.

People's Bank sponsored the event. The competitions were organised by the Legal Aid Commission Centres of Galle, Balapitiya, Matara, Hambantota, Deniyaya and Tissamaharama.

Legal Aid Commission Chairman S. S. Wijeratne, LAC Director General Justice Hector S. Yapa, LAC Children's Unit Head Maheshi de Silva and other members of the Legal Aid Commission participated. Attorney at Law Kalani Medagoda conducted the proceedings at the prize giving ceremony.