Sri Lanka’s National Early Childhood Care and Development Week began on Monday (July 14), with the Ministry of Women and Child Affairs launching a series of awareness and community-based programmes across the island through July 20.
This year’s observance is being held under the theme “Towards a Developing Child World – a Sunbeam, a Happy Family.” The Ministry says the campaign aims to nurture a generation of children who are physically, psychosocially and intellectually well developed, and to build a community that is better informed about early childhood care and the importance of access to quality services for young children.
Minister of Women and Child Affairs Saroja Savithri Paulraj said the week-long programme is designed to raise public awareness of the critical role early childhood care plays in shaping children’s futures. She said the initiative would focus in particular on educating parents and communities about providing a nurturing environment, urging the public to “be aware and act for the sake of your child.”
The observance builds on recent government efforts in the sector, including moves to expand inclusive preschool provision for children with special needs. Preschools have also this month been urged to have children wear protective clothing against dengue amid a nationwide outbreak.
