Prime Minister Dr. Harini Amarasuriya has called for greater attention to children’s mental and psychosocial well-being, child protection and digital safety in a World Children’s Day message.
The Prime Minister said October 1 remains a significant day in Sri Lanka, providing an opportunity to celebrate children while recognising the contribution of older generations and reflecting on the country’s responsibilities towards future generations.
This year’s World Children’s Day is being observed under the theme “මනසින් සවිමත් – දරුවන් පොහොසත්” (Strong Minds – Enriched Children).
The Prime Minister said the theme was particularly relevant amid rapid social and technological changes that are reshaping childhood.
She said education, healthcare and material security remained essential to children’s development, while emotional security, confidence, dignity and freedom from fear, violence, humiliation and discrimination were equally important.
According to Prime Minister Amarasuriya, the growing use of digital technology and artificial intelligence has created new opportunities for children while also exposing them to risks such as cyberbullying, harassment, harmful content and exploitation.
She said the government was taking steps to strengthen child protection both online and offline. Work on appropriate safeguards relating to children’s access to social media and digital platforms is being considered with reference to international experience, while seeking to ensure that children can continue to benefit from technology for education, creativity and development.
The Prime Minister also highlighted concerns over violence against children, saying bullying, harassment, humiliation and violent forms of discipline can have lasting effects on children’s confidence, emotional development and sense of security.
She said the government was working to strengthen the legal framework relating to corporal punishment and promote disciplinary approaches that safeguard children’s dignity and well-being.
Child labour was also addressed in the message. The Prime Minister said the Government had strengthened the Employment of Women, Young Persons and Children Act, increasing fines for relevant offences from Rs. 10,000 to Rs. 100,000.
She said the amendment was passed by Parliament in August and endorsed in September as Act No. 21 of 2026. The existing legislation prohibits the employment of children below 16 years of age.
The Prime Minister said the measures formed part of a broader commitment to ensuring that every child in Sri Lanka has the opportunity to grow up safe, healthy, educated and confident, regardless of economic circumstances, geographical location, language, ethnicity, religion, gender, disability or other differences.
She stressed that government action alone would not be sufficient to create such an environment, and said parents, teachers, caregivers, communities, institutions and society as a whole had a shared responsibility to protect children.
Prime Minister Amarasuriya called for greater attention to children’s voices and experiences, urging adults to create environments where children can seek help without stigma, learn without humiliation and grow without violence.
“When we strengthen the minds of our children, we strengthen the future of our country,” she said, extending her wishes to children across Sri Lanka on World Children’s Day.
