On appointment to UN Committee:

UNICEF congratulates eminent Sri Lankan

UNICEF Sri Lanka Representative Reza Hossaint congratulated Dr Hiranthi Wijemanne, on her being elected to the United Nations' Committee on the Rights of the Child (CRC).

He said: "This is wonderful news as it recognises the important contribution Dr Wijemanne has made to the cause of improving conditions for children's welfare for many years. She brings an international and Sri Lankan perspective to the role.

"It is also important as it recognises the role Sri Lanka can play, especially in South Asia in aspiring, leading and setting standards for others to follow in child welfare and development."

Dr Wijemanne was appointed to the Committee, following elections, on December 21.

Her considerable experience in child rights work includes 27 years as a UNICEF Sri Lanka officer. Having joined UNICEF Sri Lanka in 1977, as a Maternal and Child Health Officer, she played a leading role in a broad range of health-related activities, including the eradication of polio. A highlight of her UNICEF Sri Lanka career came in the early 1990s when she liaised on UNICEF's behalf with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs as Sri Lanka ratified it in 1991, the Convention on the Rights of the Child. Dr Wijemanne retired from UNICEF in 2003.

The Convention on the Rights of the Child is an important instrument established and agreed by the international community that seeks to ensure the protection, welfare and development of all children, irrespective of where they live.