No country can develop without caring for its children - minister Tissa Karaliyadda

Ridma Dissanayake

‘All measures are in place to convert the Early Childhood Care and Development National Policy to an Act with the aim of creating a skilful generation who respect the country’s culture and traditions,’ Child Development and Women’s Affairs Minister Tissa Karaliyadda said.

‘A country will not develop if its children are not properly looked after. Because of that all members of society have a responsibility to pay more attention towards child care and development, he added.

He was addressing a meeting after opening the National Early Childhood Care and Development (ECCD) week 2011 at the Sri Lanka Foundation Institute recently. This will continue till December 20. It is jointly organized by the Child Development and Women’s Affairs Ministry and UNICEF.

“Let Love shower on blooming buds. So they may bloom with a smile” is the theme of the ECCD week 2011.

This national event aims to increase awareness of the need to have quality services, to encourage greater investment, share the best practices and reach a common understanding of expectations and future plans for early childhood care and development, the minister said.

‘All measures are in place to launch several islandwide programmes to pay more attention on early childhood care and development. A child friendly society will be build while creating friendships among children islandwide as well, he said.

Child Development and Women’s Affairs Deputy Minister M L A M Hisbullah, Ministry’s Secretary Sumithra Rahubaddhe, parliamentarian Dr. Sudarshini Fernandopulle, PLAN Sri Lanka Country Director Ned Espey and Children’s Secretariat Director Yamuna Perera also participated.