Society must contribute for children's well-being - Minister

Nadira GUNATILLEKE

Contribution from the society is essential for the children's wellbeing, Child Development and Women's Empowerment Minister Sumedha G. Jayasena said.

January 4 has been declared as the National Day on Cruelty Against Children. The only way of projecting children is establishing a country with social morals and ethics, she said.

Minister Jayasena was addressing the 10th anniversary celebration of the National Child Protection Authority (NCPA) at the BMICH on Wednesday.

She said it was President Mahinda Rajapaksa who established a separate Ministry for Child Development and Women's Empowerment.

Special attention has been paid for children's wellbeing in the Mahinda Chintanaya, she said.

Violence against children is reported from everywhere. Although several State institutions work hard for the wellbeing of the children, nothing can be achieved without the contribution of the society. Arrangements have been made to ensure the safety and wellbeing of children in the North too, Minister Jayasena said.

Ministry Secretary M. Sumandasa said the Child Development and Women's Empowerment Ministry has been carrying out several services for the children.

There are around 15,000 pre-schools in Sri Lanka. The Ministry has made arrangements to train preschool teachers. Save the Children granted Rs. 250 million in 2009.

In 2008, Rs. 500 million was allocated to provide a free glass of milk for 48,000 needy children and Rs. 600 million was allocated to provide milk for 174,000 children in 2009, There are around 18,000 street children and arrangements have been made to ensure their wellbeing.

There are around 20,000 children in homes and steps will be taken to prevent them from staying at homes for longer periods. Children in prisons will also be looked after, he added.

NCPA Chairman Jagath Wellawatta said the dedication and contribution of the society is a must when it comes to ensuring the safety and wellbeing of children.

It is the responsibility of all to protect children. A dialogue on child rights is required right now to educate people on child rights, he said.

The keynote address was delivered by Dr. Sarath Wijesooriya, Senior Lecturer, University of Colombo.

Jathika Lama Surekuma Kruthyabhimani awards were presented to Prof. Harendra de Silva, Justice Shirani Thilakawardene, Dr. Hiranthi Wijemanne, Nita Ariyaratne, Kamala Peiris, Sybil Wettasinghe, Athula Ransirilal and W.D.E. Wijesena. Media awards were presented to Nadira Gunatilleke, Buddhika Imbulana, Vinitha Gamage and several others.