Following a three-day visit to Sri Lanka, a delegation from the Executive Board of the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) met with Prime Minister Dr. Harini Amarasuriya (June 4) at Temple Trees.
Welcoming the delegation, the Prime Minister expressed appreciation for UNICEF’s continued support to Sri Lanka, particularly in advancing the rights and well-being of children. She also commended UNICEF’s timely assistance and recovery efforts following Cyclone Ditwah.
Discussions focused on strengthening legal protections for children, including measures to prevent all forms of violence against children and address child malnutrition.
The Prime Minister said the visit provided an opportunity to further strengthen collaboration between UNICEF and the Government of Sri Lanka. She noted that while Sri Lanka has a strong policy and legal framework, greater attention is needed to ensure effective implementation and enforcement in addressing challenges affecting children and vulnerable communities.
The UNICEF representatives commended the Government’s ongoing education reform process and expressed their willingness to continue supporting efforts to achieve planned outcomes and promote child-sensitive programmes.
The meeting was attended by H.E. Rein Tammsaar of Estonia, President of the UNICEF Executive Board; H.E. Sophia Tesfamariam of Eritrea, Vice President; H.E. Alejandra Hernandez Gonzalez of the Dominican Republic, Vice President; members of the UNICEF Executive Board delegation; Secretary to the Prime Minister Pradeep Saputhanthri; Additional Secretary to the Prime Minister Sagarika Bogahawatta; and officials from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Foreign Employment and Tourism. (Newswire)
