World Children’s Day and World Elders’ Day are being observed today (01), under the themes “Protect with Love – Let Us Win the World” and “A Generation That Built, a Generation That Protects” respectively.
The main ceremony to mark World Children’s Day is being held under the patronage of Minister of Women and Child Affairs, Saroja Paulraj. The official event for World Elders’ Day, along with the launch of the National Policy for Senior Citizens in Sri Lanka, is scheduled to take place at Suhurupaya under the leadership of Prime Minister Harini Amarasuriya, with the participation of Minister of Rural Development, Social Security and Community Empowerment Upali Pannila and Deputy Minister Wasantha Piyatissa.
A National Children’s Day Week has been underway since September 25, while celebrations for Elders’ Day will continue as Elders’ Week from October 1 to 7.
Issuing a special message to mark the occasion, President Anura Kumara Dissanayake reaffirmed the government’s full commitment to protecting the rights and welfare of both children and senior citizens.
He emphasized that children hold the future of the nation and the world, and it is the responsibility of society to ensure they grow up in a safe, nurturing, and violence-free environment. The President also stressed the government’s ongoing efforts to safeguard children’s rights, improve access to education and healthcare, protect against abuse and discrimination, and strengthen social security and nutrition programs.
Highlighting the importance of inclusivity in education, the President noted that no child should be deprived of schooling due to ethnicity, economic status, or other factors. He further stated that this year’s budget had allocated special attention to improving health, education, and services for children with developmental disorders, including autism.
Concluding his message, the President said:
“On this special day, we pledge once again to provide love, care, and protection to our children, while extending respect and gratitude to our elders for their invaluable contribution to the progress of our nation. Together, let us build a Sri Lanka filled with security, dignity, and respect for children and elders alike.”
