World Children's Day message outlines education reform and equal opportunities in Sri Lanka

A World Children's Day message said children are the most valuable asset of a nation and that ensuring their physical and mental well-being and creating an environment conducive to their proper development is a primary responsibility of any government.

The message said children's imagination, aspirations and creativity will determine the shape and colour of the country tomorrow. It said the country built for children must not merely be a country prepared to be handed over to them in the future; it must be a country that gives space to their dreams today, listens to their voices and provides opportunities for them to realise their potential.

For the best interests of children, it said, necessary steps were being taken to ensure equal access to education, guidance, social protection, opportunities for sport, leisure and recreation, proper nutrition and access to healthcare, while protecting children from all forms of violence and discrimination and safeguarding their rights.

Race, religion, economic status, geographical background or any other circumstance should not be a barrier to any child's education or proper development, the message said. Every child should have equal and fair opportunities to realise their potential, pursue their dreams and create the future they wish for themselves.

The message said the process of reforming the education system in Sri Lanka had already begun, transforming it towards a skills-based system suited to the new world, one that does not place a burden on parents or cause distress to children. The aim was to ensure that no child is left behind in the new Sri Lanka being built, and to provide every child with opportunities for development in a safe environment.

It emphasised that the fundamental objective of all the programmes being implemented, from expanding educational scholarships to securing the future of children growing up in child development centres and those in need of care, is to create a dignified and secure tomorrow for every child in the country.

The message said it is the aspiration of every parent to give their children a better life than the one they themselves experienced. It said the country's economy was being steered towards a correct and stable direction in order to provide children with a safe and happy childhood, free from the shadows of an unstable economy.

It said the national operation "A Nation United" (Ratama Ekata) had been launched, bringing everyone together to free the younger generation from the menace of illicit drugs.

At a time of working towards the goal of building a safe and better country for children, the message said it greatly appreciated the initiative of the Ministry of Women and Child Affairs in organising this year's World Children's Day celebrations under the theme "Strong Minds – Enriched Children", declaring a National Children's Day Week and conducting a range of meaningful programmes aimed at strengthening children's rights, well-being, protection, education and freedom.

Heartfelt wishes were extended to all the sons and daughters of the country for a Happy World Children's Day.