Sri Lanka marks World Children’s Day under ‘Strong Minds – Enriched Children’ theme

World Children’s Day is being celebrated in Sri Lanka on the 1st of October under the theme “මනසින් සවිමත් – දරුවන් පොහොසත්” – “Strong Minds – Enriched Children.”

This year, the Government strengthened the Employment of Women, Young Persons and Children Act, raising fines for relevant offences from Rs. 10,000 to Rs. 100,000. Parliament passed the amendment in August, and it was endorsed in September as Act No. 21 of 2026. Employment of children under the age of sixteen is prohibited under the existing Act, and the higher penalties reinforce a commitment to protecting children from unlawful and harmful employment.

The Government has recognised a responsibility to strengthen child protection both online and offline. Work towards appropriate safeguards concerning children’s access to social media and digital platforms is being considered in light of international experience, while ensuring that children continue to benefit from technology for education, creativity and development. Several countries are similarly strengthening age-appropriate protections and safety requirements for children in digital environments.

Responsibility was also described as extending beyond the digital space. The Government is making efforts to strengthen the legal framework against corporal punishment and to promote approaches to discipline that protect the dignity and well-being of children. Sri Lanka’s ongoing reforms in this area recognise the importance of protecting children from both physical and psychological violence. Harm is not limited to physical injury. Bullying, harassment, humiliation and violent forms of discipline can have lasting effects on a child’s confidence, emotional development and sense of security.

For decades, the 1st of October has been a special day in Sri Lanka for celebrating children while also honouring elders, a reminder of responsibility towards the generations that have shaped society and towards the generation that will shape its future. The theme carries particular significance at a time when childhood is being transformed by rapid social and technological change.

Education, healthcare and material security remain fundamental to a child’s development. An enriched childhood also requires emotional security, confidence, dignity and the freedom to grow without fear, violence, humiliation or discrimination. A child who feels safe, valued and heard is better equipped to learn, build relationships, face challenges and contribute positively to society.

That need has become increasingly important as digital technology and artificial intelligence reshape how children learn, communicate and experience the world. Technology provides extraordinary opportunities, but it also exposes children to new forms of pressure and harm, including cyberbullying, harassment, harmful content and exploitation. Protection in this environment requires equal attention to mental and psychosocial well-being.

The measures reflect a broader commitment that every child, in every corner of Sri Lanka, must have the opportunity to grow up safe, healthy, educated and confident, irrespective of economic circumstances, geography, language, ethnicity, religion, gender, disability or any other difference.

Government action alone cannot build such an environment. Parents, teachers, caregivers, communities, institutions and society as a whole share the responsibility of creating spaces where children can speak without fear, seek help without stigma, learn without humiliation and grow without violence.

On World Children’s Day, a call was made to listen to children more carefully and to recognise that their thoughts, emotions and experiences matter, and to provide them not only with education and opportunity but also with the security, understanding and confidence they need to face a rapidly changing world. Strengthening the minds of children was described as strengthening the future of the country. Warmest wishes were extended to all the children of Sri Lanka.