The Hon. (Dr.) Namal Sudarshana - Deputy Minister of Women and Child Affairs

¶ 01 Thank you, Hon. Presiding Member. I thank Hon. Samanmali Gunasingha for bringing this vital Motion. Our policy “Prosperous Country – Beautiful Life” includes “A Safe World for Children – A Creative Future Generation.”

¶ 02 Despite aspirations to do the best for children, serious problems persist nationwide regarding safe environments and protection, in both North and South and in plantation areas. This Adjournment Motion is timely, and the Government is focused on this sector.

¶ 03 Our Ministry has Child Protection Officers, Child Rights Promotion Officers, and Early Childhood Development Officers attached to Divisional Secretariats nationwide. Even so, significant gaps remain, especially after school hours in urban and plantation settings where children cannot be left alone. We need a structured program.

¶ 04 There are many pre-schools and day-care centres under local authorities. We can develop them into day-care/safe centres with the Ministry of Public Administration and Provincial Councils, issuing guidelines to local bodies and Provincial Councils.

¶ 05 With the Education Ministry, we can also organize after-school protection within schools where feasible. Our Ministry has capable officers to implement.

¶ 06 Hon. Member has proposed a pilot titled “Establishment of Protective Centres for At-Risk Children” in the Dehiwala DS area—a high-need locality with significant drug issues and cramped housing. Children there face higher risks of exposure to narcotics and have limited outdoor space. Therefore, beginning with such areas is appropriate. We will coordinate relevant ministries and authorities to operationalize and, upon evaluation, scale it across districts, including the North and East.