Colombo, October 1, 2024 – President Anura Kumara Dissanayake has reiterated his government’s commitment to improving the lives of children, emphasizing the need for a holistic approach to tackle the challenges faced by the younger generation. In a heartfelt message to mark World Children’s Day, the President declared that the ultimate goal of his administration’s “renaissance-era” policies is to “win back the children’s world that belongs to children.”
President Dissanayake identified a range of issues affecting children today, including poverty, malnutrition, health and sanitation concerns, environmental degradation, and inequalities in education. He also highlighted the dangers posed by drugs and the misuse of technology as key threats to the psychosocial development of children.
“We are determined to free this generation from the constraints of a stress-filled, exam-centered education system,” the President said. “Our aim is to nurture children who are healthy both mentally and physically, allowing them to grow into free and imaginative individuals who can shape a better world.”
The President also spoke of the broader mission to create a society rooted in human kindness, trust, respect, and environmental stewardship. “We are all responsible for this,” he stressed, calling on all sectors of society to take part in this transformative work.
Prime Minister Amarasuriya: Investing in Children is Investing in the Future
Prime Minister Dr. Harini Amarasuriya echoed these sentiments in her own message, marking World Children’s Day. She stated that the government’s aim is to turn this year’s theme, “Investments for our future means investing in our children,” into tangible action.
“The government’s vision is to provide high-quality, free education to every child, ensuring they are equipped with the knowledge and skills to thrive in an economically strong nation,” the Prime Minister said. She emphasized that these investments would pave the way for a brighter future for both the children and the country as a whole.
Focus on the Elderly
In addition to the focus on children, Prime Minister Amarasuriya also highlighted the government’s commitment to improving the lives of the elderly. Marking World Elderly Day, she outlined plans to strengthen social security systems, improve retirement benefits, and ensure equal access to healthcare for senior citizens.
“The theme of this year’s Elderly Day, ‘Ageing with Dignity,’ is aligned with our goal of enhancing care and support systems for older people. We recognize the lifelong contributions of our senior citizens and are dedicated to ensuring they age with dignity,” the Prime Minister said.
A Vision for the Future
The combined messages from the President and Prime Minister present a unified vision for the country’s future, where the well-being of both children and the elderly is prioritized. With commitments to education, mental health, social security, and environmental protection, the government is working to create a society that fosters mutual care and respect across generations.
As the country celebrates World Children’s Day and World Elderly Day, these pledges underscore the administration’s dedication to social transformation, laying the groundwork for a future where all generations can thrive in harmony.
