Every Child in this country Is important to Us – Prime Minister

We are working to ensure digital connectivity in secondary schools across the country by the end of this year. The 2026 World Children’s Day celebration, organised jointly by the Dehiwala-Mount Lavinia Municipal Council and Independent Television Network (ITN) under the theme “Mahangu Sampatha – Daruwan Surakimu”, was held on 03 October at the S. de S. Jayasinghe Stadium under the patronage of Prime Minister Dr. Harini Amarasuriya.

Addressing the event, Prime Minister Dr. Harini Amarasuriya stated that World Children’s Day is not limited to a single day, but serves as a reminder of the importance of ensuring a safe and secure world for children. Speaking further, the Prime Minister stated: Every child in this country is important to us.

Everything we do as a Government is done for the well-being of our children. Education plays a vital role in shaping the kind of adult or citizen a child will become in society. As a Government, we have placed special emphasis on education. A new curriculum will be introduced for Grades 2 and 6 in 2027.

We are also taking steps to systematically develop infrastructure and digital facilities in schools. By the end of this year, we will work to ensure digital connectivity in secondary schools across the country, as well as promote the safe use of digital technology.

We are also working together with the Ministry of Transport to ensure the safety of children in school transportation. In particular, we expect to introduce standards, laws, regulations and guidelines to ensure minimum safety requirements for school transport services. As a country, we also need to pay attention to health.

Food security and healthcare are important areas that require our attention. We are also paying special attention to school meals. Sports are equally important. We are working to foster a culture of sports within schools. Children should be given the opportunity to play freely. It is our responsibility to create an environment with the necessary infrastructure and safety for them to do so.

The occasion was attended by the Western Province Governor Mr. Hanif Yusoof, Member of Parliament Ms. Samanmali Gunasinghe, Dehiwala-Mount Lavinia Municipal Council Mayor Mr. K. D. Parakum Shantha, the Municipal Commissioner, and a large number of children and parents. Prime Minister’s Media Division