Children’s Rights Must Be Recognized as Fundamental Rights in the Country

We Must Take Responsibility for Children’s Education, Nutrition, and Protection as Well

— Opposition Leader Emphasizes —

Opposition Leader Sajith Premadasa stated that society today is facing numerous economic and social challenges, and many families are struggling even to meet their basic needs. However, he stressed that parents must continue to place their children first under all circumstances.

He emphasized that greater attention must be paid to ensuring children receive proper nutrition, good health, quality education, and social protection. Accordingly, he stated that children’s rights should be recognized as a fundamental right in the country and that these rights must be firmly guaranteed within Sri Lanka.

The Opposition Leader made these remarks while addressing an event held at the Kuliyapitiya Town Hall, where school bags were distributed to 550 preschool children from 11 preschools in Kuliyapitiya.

Ensuring the Protection and Safety of Children Is Our Responsibility

Sajith Premadasa stated that parents carry a tremendous responsibility toward children, who represent the future of the nation. He said that caring for children, ensuring their protection, and providing them with security and strength are essential duties of parents.

Speaking as a father of a daughter, he noted that he personally understands the importance of children and the responsibilities that come with parenthood. He further stressed that children must always be given the compassion, kindness, care, love, and protection they deserve.

Children’s Nutrition Is Extremely Important

The Opposition Leader also stated that every possible contribution should be made to strengthen children’s education and health. He recalled that former President Ranasinghe Premadasa introduced school uniforms and midday meals for schoolchildren.

He emphasized that, at the very least, a proper nutrition program should now be implemented for all preschool children. Since this is a collective responsibility, he urged parents at preschool level to work together through a proper mechanism to improve children’s nutrition. Sajith Premadasa further pointed out that providing midday meals for preschool children should become a national policy.

Early Childhood Education Must Be Better Standardized

He stated that the country must remain committed not only to children’s health and education but also to their nutrition and safety. Referring to observations frequently made by pediatric specialists, he said that nearly 90% of a child’s brain development occurs during the first five years after birth.

He further noted that Sri Lanka currently has more than 17,800 preschools, employing over 21,500 teachers, while more than 280,000 children receive preschool education through these institutions. However, according to pediatric specialists, the country is still operating an informal early childhood development system during this crucial stage of brain development.

Early Childhood Development Must Reach International Standards

The Opposition Leader pointed out that early childhood education varies from province to province, with different curricula being implemented under provincial regulations. Therefore, he stressed the need for a more systematic and structured education system beginning from early childhood itself.

Referring to global standards, he explained that the internationally recognized “K to 12” concept promotes a structured and strengthened education system from kindergarten through Grade 12. He noted that even the United Nations recognizes this approach.

He further stated that these preschool children will enter formal school education within the next one or two years, and therefore parents have an even greater duty to dedicate themselves to the well-being and development of their children.