The United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) has welcomed the Cabinet’s recent approval of the Global Charter for Child Care Reforms, which it described as a landmark decision that strengthens protection for children and builds momentum for Sri Lanka’s existing Alternative Care Policy.

UNICEF said in a statement that over the years, the organization has partnered with the Government of Sri Lanka to advance care reform. 

This includes supporting the development of the National Alternative Care Policy, the national census of residential care institutions, and provincial action plans that have led to a 30 per cent reduction in the number of children in institutional care since 2018. 

More than 6,000 children have been prevented from entering institutions, and around 2,000 children have been reunified with their families in the past five years. These achievements demonstrate what is possible when leadership, evidence, and partnership come together, the statement said. 

UNICEF pointed out that, yet, more than 8,000 children in Sri Lanka still grow up in residential care, most with at least one living parent. 

Their placement often reflects poverty, violence, abuse, stigma, or gaps in community-based services. The Global Charter provides a valuable framework for addressing these issues. Its principles, preventing unnecessary family-child separation, prioritizing family-based care, and progressively moving away from institutionalization, align with the Alternative Care Policy ongoing reforms, it said.

The organization further states that while policies are essential, the real difference lies in financing and implementation, strengthening case management systems, expanding family support services, and ensuring that every child can grow up in a safe and supportive family environment. 

UNICEF stresses that it stands ready to continue supporting the Government, provincial authorities, and civil society partners to translate this commitment into lasting change for children. (Newswire)

The post UNICEF welcomes Sri Lanka’s adoption of Global Charter for Child Care reforms appeared first on Newswire.

The United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) says initial estimates suggest that over 275,000 children are among the 1.4 million people affected due to Cyclone Ditwah, although disrupted communications and blocked access routes imply the actual number may be even higher.

Issuing a statement, UNICEF stated that Cyclone Ditwah has left children across Sri Lanka facing an escalating humanitarian crisis. 

After making landfall on the East Coast early on 28 November, the storm caused widespread floods and devastating landslides. 

UNICEF Sri Lanka is coordinating closely with the Government, national authorities, and partners to assess the situation and has initiated life-saving support. 

To respond to the urgent needs of children and families in the hardest-hit districts, UNICEF is further scaling up its efforts and appealing for additional funding to provide clean drinking water, essential nutrition supplies, psychosocial support, and emergency education kits to displaced children and mothers who need them most.

“UNICEF remains deeply concerned about the destruction the cyclone has caused to children and the vital services they depend on for their safety and well-being. We stand in solidarity with families who have suffered losses and displacement and extend our deepest condolences to those mourning loved ones,” said Emma Brigham, UNICEF Representative in Sri Lanka.

“Children urgently need help. It is a race against time to reach the most vulnerable families who direly require lifesaving services,” she added. “And while the cyclone may have passed, the consequences have not.”

The severe damage to homes and vital infrastructure, along with the disruption of essential services, has caused widespread displacement and increases the risk of disease outbreaks, malnutrition, unsafe living conditions, and severe emotional distress among children. 

The cyclone will only deepen the struggles of Sri Lanka’s most vulnerable communities, who are still reeling from successive shocks, including the 2022 economic crisis. According to a World Bank 2025 report, poverty has more than doubled since 2019, rising from 11.3 per cent to 24.5 per cent. For millions of families, life remains unaffordable, with basic needs increasingly out of reach. (Newswire)

The post Over 275,000 children affected in Sri Lanka following devastating Cyclone – UNICEF appeared first on Newswire.

Sri Lanka commemorated World Children’s Day and the anniversary of the Convention on the Rights of the Child with the launch of Little Amaya – See Me, Hear Me, an interactive child rights exhibition at Lotus Tower.

The initiative, led by UNICEF Sri Lanka, together with the Department of Probation and Child Care Services (DPCCS) and the National Child Protection Authority (NCPA), was launched this morning in the presence of Emma Brigham, UNICEF Sri Lanka Representative and senior officials from the Ministry of Women and Child Affairs (MoWCA), DPCCS, and NCPA.

Designed to bring child rights to life in a way that is playful, accessible, and relatable, the exhibit at Lotus Tower’s Pixel Bloom, blends storytelling, movement, and game-based learning through the character of Little Amaya – a child who guides visitors through an imaginative world where every right is felt, seen, and experienced. The space allows children to explore themes such as protection, participation, and expression using hands-on interactive technology that encourages curiosity and dialogue.

Complementing this experience is a vibrant art exhibition featuring more than 200 self-portraits and creative pieces co-created by children from across Sri Lanka – from urban centers to rural estates, from diverse cultural, linguistic, and socio-economic backgrounds. The artwork emerged from workshops facilitated around the country, giving children the space and tools to express who they are, how they see themselves, and what matters to them.

Speaking at the opening, UNICEF Representative Emma Brigham underscored the significance of listening to children and creating spaces where their perspectives matter. “Participation is a right and when we listen to children, we make better decisions,” she said adding the exhibit is a reminder that children are not just recipients of services or protection; they are thinkers, creators, and partners in shaping the world around them.”

Officials from NCPA, DPCCS, and MoWCA commended the initiative as a timely platform that promotes awareness of child rights among families, educators, and the broader public, while also celebrating the power of children’s imagination and their ability to articulate their hopes and concerns.

The post UNICEF’s free exhibit ‘Little Amaya – See Me, Hear Me’ opens at Lotus Tower appeared first on Newswire.

The United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) says child overweight has tripled in 20 years in Sri Lanka, and that children deserve healthy food environments, not ones that harm their health.

“Sri Lanka is among the group of countries where overweight has at least tripled in the last two decades,” UNICEF said, issuing its latest report. 

Per the report, globally, one in twenty children under 5 years of age (5 per cent) and one in five children and adolescents aged 5–19 years (20 per cent) are living with overweight. 

The 2025 Child Nutrition Report, ‘Feeding Profit: How food environments are failing children’, reveals how unhealthy food environments are contributing to the worldwide surge in overweight and obesity in children and adolescents.

Drawing from recent examples of countries that have made extraordinary progress, the report presents eight recommendations to transform children’s food environments:

• Implement the International Code of Marketing of Breast-milk Substitutes and subsequent World Health Assembly resolutions to protect and promote breastfeeding and appropriate complementary feeding.
• Implement comprehensive, mandatory measures to transform food environments (school food environments, food marketing restrictions, food labelling, taxes on unhealthy foods and beverages and food reformulation).
• Implement comprehensive policies to improve the availability and affordability of locally produced nutritious foods for children and adolescents.
• Establish robust safeguards to protect public policy processes from interference by the ultra-processed food industry.
• Implement social and behaviour change initiatives that empower families and communities to claim their right to a healthy food environment.
• Strengthen social protection programs to address income poverty and increase children’s access to nutritious and healthy diets.
• Engage young people in public policymaking on food justice by fostering youth-led advocacy.
• Strengthen global and national data and surveillance systems to monitor food environments, diets, and overweight among children and adolescents. 

The full UNICEF report: 

https://www.unicef.org/media/174091/file/CNR%202025%20-%20Feeding%20Profit%20-%20Final%20Report%20-%20English%20-%20FINAL.pdf.pdf (Newswire)

The post Child obesity in Sri Lanka has tripled in 20 years – UNICEF appeared first on Newswire.

The Ministry of Justice and National Integration and the Ministry of Women and Child Affairs, with support from the European Union through UNICEF, have launched an initiative to support children who have experienced violence. 

The new model service will ensure fast, child-sensitive support to child victims of violence, from the point when the case is reported to police, helplines or others, until the child is linked with sustained care and protection mechanisms.

The model service, launched in Kandy, includes six flagship initiatives of local and national scale to introduce transformative changes in the child protection and justice system. These improvements include enhancing the 1929 Helpline, introducing integrated case management, enhancing support services for children, improving efficiency of justice processes, enhancing practices for taking evidence from children, and introducing child-friendly courts with child witness rooms. The operationalisation of the model service for child victims of violence is supported by the European Union under the Support to Justice Sector Project (JURE).

The launch is an important step towards realizing national and international policy commitments as enshrined in the National Policy Framework of Sri Lanka and as part of the commitments made by Sri Lanka at the 2024 Bogotá Conference on Ending Violence Against Children.

Such an approach to service delivery for child victims ensures that all institutions and professionals working with children reform their services to protect children’s rights, dignity and wellbeing and to ensure speedy and quality support. The model service for child victims of violence introduces a set of changes, including digital innovations, that are guided by international best practices and are responsive to the well-known issues of efficiency and quality of services for children in Sri Lanka.

One of the first digital innovations was introduced in the Kandy High Court. New child-friendly court facilities, refurbished in an age-appropriate way and equipped with modern audio-visual technology, enable children to testify from a separate room within the court premises, operationalizing the recent amendments to the Code of Criminal Procedure (June 2025). This protects a child witness from direct confrontation with perpetrators, minimizing trauma.

Minister of Justice and National Integration, Harshana Nanayakkara, speaking on this milestone moment, said, “This is a turning point for Sri Lanka’s justice system. These services will ensure that children will have a voice in court without fear, protected by law, supported by technology, and treated with dignity. This is an important step towards specializing high courts for children”

“By launching this new continuum of services, we are marking the beginning of a new way of protecting child victims of violence in Sri Lanka. By taking a coordinated, multi-sectoral approach, we aim to ensure that children receive quality justice and at the same time are able to access protection and welfare services – all delivered in a child-sensitive manner,” said Minister of Women and Children’s Affairs, Saroja Paulraj, emphasizing the importance of putting children at the heart of reforms.

While acknowledging Sri Lanka’s progress, Carmen Moreno, EU Ambassador to Sri Lanka, highlights the role of the JURE project: “Violence against children remains a serious concern and demands immediate action.  The European Union and UNICEF partnership, through the JURE project, has been instrumental in translating the Government of Sri Lanka’s commitment to end violence against children into actions.  Today sets in motion a model of child-friendly services that will assist and support child victims of violence and bring them justice”.

Reinforcing this collective achievement, UNICEF Representative in Sri Lanka, Emma Brigham said, “Today, Sri Lanka is turning its global commitments into a tangible change for children. A holistic, coordinated, and child-centered system – one that integrates both protection and justice, ensures that children are safeguarded and supported to restore their lives. We welcome this transformative approach and look forward to seeing the roll-out of such services across the country.”

Together, the Government of Sri Lanka, the European Union and UNICEF are ensuring that every child’s right to protection is fulfilled.

JURE, supported by the European Union, is jointly implemented by UNICEF and UNDP, facilitated by the Ministry of Justice. It aims to strengthen the justice system to be more accessible, efficient, and inclusive. UNICEF leads efforts to enhance child-friendly justice and child protection processes, ensuring better protection and support for children within the legal system. (Newswire)

The post Sri Lanka introduces model service for child victims of violence appeared first on Newswire.

The Ministry of Health has received nine refrigerated trucks procured by UNICEF with funding from the Government of Japan to further improve the delivery system of vaccines to all children, across Sri Lanka.

According to a UNICEF statement, the trucks were handed over by the Ambassador of Japan to Sri Lanka MIZUKOSHI Hideaki and Acting UNICEF Representative in Sri Lanka Begoña Arellano, during a ceremony held at the Ministry of Health and they were received by the Minister of Health, Dr. Ramesh Pathirana.

Speaking at the handover ceremony, Dr. Pathirana said, “I welcome the support of the Government of Japan and UNICEF to further strengthen immunization, which is a key pillar of Sri Lanka’s healthcare system. These refrigerated trucks will boost the ability of the Ministry of Health to transport vaccines in a safe and timely manner.”

The trucks are part of a total contribution of US$ 3 million from the Government of Japan that funded cold chain equipment, including large, walk-in cold rooms to store vaccines at safe temperatures, portable vaccine carriers and temperature monitors, which have already been handed over to the Ministry of Health intermittently from 2021 to date.

Japanese Ambassador MIZUKOSHI Hideaki said, “I am honoured to announce the forthcoming handover of nine Refrigerated Trucks, a tangible symbol of Japan’s enduring commitment to Sri Lanka’s public health endeavours. These trucks will serve as vital conduits in the seamless transportation of vaccines throughout the nation, ensuring that every community receives the necessary protection against preventable diseases.”

The trucks will facilitate the transportation of vaccines from central to regional storehouses and onwards to the health facilities. The vaccine carriers and cold boxes are already procured and distributed to the offices of the Medical Officers of Health and hospitals.

“Vaccination protects children from many preventable diseases and enables them to live a healthy life. Vaccines are temperature-sensitive and need to be transported in appropriate conditions. These trucks will help us reach every child in every corner of Sri Lanka with the right vaccine at the right time. UNICEF values the long-standing support of the Government of Japan and the collaboration with the Ministry of Health in improving the health of all children in the country,” added Begoña Arellano, Acting UNICEF Representative in Sri Lanka. 

Over the years, the Government of Japan has made significant contributions to support the joint efforts of UNICEF and the Ministry of Health in addressing both the long- and short-term health needs of children. (Newswire)

The post Health Ministry receives Japan-funded refrigerated trucks from UNICEF for immunization services appeared first on Newswire.

UNICEF has welcomed the long-awaited amendment to the Children and Young Persons Ordinance (CYPO) coming into force effective January 1, 2024.

Issuing a statement, the organization said the development marks a significant step towards protecting the rights and welfare of all children in Sri Lanka. 

The CYPO, a legislation governing justice for children in Sri Lanka since 1939, previously only covered those up to the age of 16. The amendment now extends its protection to all children under the age of 18. Furthermore, the amendment also repeals the section of the CYPO which permitted the use of corporal punishment on children and adolescents by parents, teachers, or guardians. 

These amendments contribute to the alignment of Sri Lanka’s laws that address children’s rights with international standards, particularly the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child (CRC), but also address the evolving needs and challenges faced by children and adolescents in the country.

UNICEF Representative in Sri Lanka, Christian Skoog said, “The operationalization of the amended CYPO marks a significant milestone for child rights in Sri Lanka, ensuring a justice system that upholds the rights and dignity of every child. This noteworthy progress also underscores the importance a comprehensive ban on corporal punishment in all settings including homes and schools, as we strive to create safer and nurturing environments for every child in Sri Lanka.”

These amendments further signify a paradigm shift in the treatment of children in conflict with the law. Previously, children between the ages of 16 -18 years who committed offences were placed in adult prisons, lacking appropriate rehabilitation and care. With the amended CYPO now in effect, such children will receive rehabilitation under the supervision of the Provincial Departments of Probation and Child Care, emphasizing a rehabilitative rather than punitive approach.

The CRC however notes that the detention of a child should only be a last resort, and for the shortest period, as evidence shows that institutionalization could hinder a child’s development and reintegration, leading to perpetuating cycles of violence and poverty. 

For juvenile offenders, UNICEF calls upon stakeholders in the justice, probation and child-care sectors to prioritize the application of non-custodial measures such as family-based rehabilitation, as they are more effective and protective of children.

UNICEF’s support for this amendment is rooted in its longstanding commitment to advocating for the rights of children worldwide. A 2023 UNICEF study on Sri Lanka’s justice system for children highlighted important data gaps and the urgent need for reforms to ensure the adequacy and effectiveness of legal protection for children. 

The amendment to the CYPO represents a key step towards addressing these recommendations and building a justice system that prioritizes the best interests of the child. The Government of Sri Lanka’s decision to operationalize CYPO amendments underscores its commitment to fulfilling its obligations under international law and prioritizing the well-being of its youngest citizens.

UNICEF, with support from the European Union, is working with the Ministry of Justice and other partners to strengthen inclusive access to justice, improve transparency and accountability in the sector as well as enhance quality and efficient service delivery. (NewsWire)

The post UNICEF welcomes moves to amend the Children & Young Persons Ordinance appeared first on Newswire.

UNICEF, together with WHO, will support the Ministry of Health in implementing a supplementary measles immunization activity (SIA) in Sri Lanka aimed at controlling the ongoing measles outbreak, midst over 700 measles cases reported in the country since May 2023.

The SIA will be launched in two phases; the first phase will commence on Saturday (January 06), targeting 6-9-month-olds in nine identified districts with a high population density where measles cases were reported, including Colombo, Gampaha, Kalutara, Galle, Matara, Kandy, Jaffna, Kurunegala and Kalmunai. 

Issuing a statement, UNICEF stated that the second phase will be initiated on January 20 and extended to other age groups across the country.

Speaking at a press briefing held in Colombo recently to announce the launch of the supplementary immunization activity, UNICEF Representative in Sri Lanka, Christian Skoog said, “UNICEF, as well as WHO, has been closely associated partners with the Ministry of Health for many years in the implementation of the national immunization programme, which is a success story in Sri Lanka.  However, even with a high immunization coverage, measles outbreaks can occur among unvaccinated children, especially when there are outbreaks in the region. While the numbers are small with the recent measles outbreak, it is important to take it seriously and that is what the Ministry of Health is doing, in taking appropriate steps to control it.”

He also added the assistance extended by UNICEF during COVID-19 pandemic in 2020-2021 to maintain the quality of vaccines by addressing the gaps in the cold chain equipment system, will undoubtedly support in implementing this effective supplementary immunization activity.

Meanwhile, Secretary to the Ministry of Health (MoH), Dr. Palitha Mahipala expressed confidence in the success of the vaccination drive, stating, “There is no other country in the world which has reached over 99% immunization coverage. I can confidently state without any hesitation that Sri Lanka is the only country which reached 99.9% immunization coverage. So, I am optimistic that with this supplementary immunization activity, the measles cases reported will be reduced.”

The measles, mumps and rubella (MMR) vaccine was introduced into Sri Lanka’s immunization program in 1984. In 2001, a second dose of the vaccine was introduced to improve population-level immunity and in 2019, the WHO declared Sri Lanka as a country free of Measles. However, a significant drop in global immunization coverage from 2020 to 2022 impacted many countries in the region, which has led to a rise in measles cases once again, including in Sri Lanka.

Dr. Alaka Singh, WHO Representative to Sri Lanka who also spoke at the presser said, “The cases reported so far have been mild, and no deaths have been reported. However, measles can be a major childhood disease, which can and must be prevented. Accordingly, MoH has embarked on a rapid supplementary immunization activity in two phases through the strong primary healthcare system. We, as WHO, reiterate our full support for this program and overall recovery in Sri Lanka going forward.”

Other experts in attendance at the media briefing included Dr. Asela Gunawardena, Director General of Health Services, Ministry of Health; Dr. Vinod Kumar Bura, Coordinator, Immunization and Vaccine Development, Department of Communicable Diseases, WHO South-East Asia Regional Office; the Chief Epidemiologist; Director, Health Promotion Bureau as well as other consultants and specialists from MoH.  

UNICEF and MoH, through this latest SIA, are committed to combating any possible measles outbreaks in Sri Lanka. While measles is highly infectious, past vaccination initiatives have shown success in controlling outbreaks when high coverage is achieved. Stakeholders noted that strategic public awareness and community engagement will be critical in conveying the urgency of vaccinations and ensuring the campaign’s success. (NewsWire)

The post Measles immunization : UNICEF to support Health Ministry accelerate programme appeared first on Newswire.

Regional Director of UNICEF, Sanjay Wijesekara, called on Leader of the Opposition MP Sajith Premadasa to discuss the future of health and education in Sri Lanka. 

According to a statement, the meeting took place at the Office of the Leader of the Opposition in Colombo today (Oct 26).

Representative of UNICEF Sri Lanka, Christian Skoog also joined the discussion. 

MP Sajith Premadasa shared how his party, the Samagi Jana Balawegaya (SJB), is actively contributing to Sri Lanka’s health and education sectors, collaborating with UNICEF, UNFPA, and FAO. 

He further urged UNICEF to play a pivotal role in uplifting Sri Lanka’s health and educational systems.

The discussion delved into the nutritional challenges faced by Sri Lankan families and the pressing issues in the preventive and curative health sectors.

The Regional Director of UNICEF praised MP Premadasa’s profound knowledge of these subjects, emphasizing the importance of their collaboration.

The Opposition Leader reiterated that women’s and children’s rights stand at the core of SJB’s policies, underscoring the party’s unwavering commitment to a brighter future for all. (NewsWire)

The post Nutrition issues of Sri Lanka families discussed appeared first on Newswire.

Cricket legend Sachin Tendulkar visited Sri Lanka in his role as the UNICEF South Asia Regional Goodwill Ambassador. Sachin visited UNICEF programmes in the Sabaragamuwa Province and met with children and parents impacted by the COVID-pandemic and the 2022 economic crisis.

Tendulkar recalled warm memories associated with Sri Lanka during his earlier visits, both as a cricketer and as part of his engagements with UNICEF in 2015. He lauded the efforts of all government and non-government organisations in their efforts towards bringing positive change despite challenging environments.

During the field mission, Sachin visited a preschool, supported by UNICEF’s ongoing mid-day school meal programme, and helped serve nutrient-rich food to children. Since August 2022, UNICEF’s midday meal programme has been providing nutritious meals to 50,000 preschool children in nearly 1,400 schools across the country. The meal programme has also helped boost pre-school attendance.  

“Children require a nutrient-rich diet and quality education to reach their full potential. By investing in their education and nutrition, we are not only investing in their future but also every country’s future,” said Sachin. 

At another school Tendulkar visited, he observed teaching and learning activities for grade 3 children where many students shared their desire to stay in school and follow their dreams. Sachin then joined the senior schoolgirls and boys on the pitch for a game of cricket. 

“The children I spoke with, are showing great tenacity, and their hope for a better future remains strong. We need to continue supporting them so they keep achieving their goals,” added Sachin.

Tendulkar also visited families living in plantations, to understand their lives better. As part of the support for economic recovery, UNICEF provided cash transfers to more than 110,000 families with children up to two years of age to buy nutritious foods and other vital supplies needed for their children.

Tendulkar also took time to speak to a group of young people from Sri Lanka, in a close ‘Cricket Catch-Ups’ session during which he shared his experiences growing up, overcoming obstacles, remaining resilient and focused in pursuing his goal. These young people are a part of the UNICEF-supported Children’s Club network of the Department of Probation and Child Care Services.

Sachin Tendulkar was appointed as the first UNICEF Regional Goodwill Ambassador for South Asia in 2013. Since then, he has been playing a pivotal role in improving the lives of children in South Asia. (NewsWire)

The post UNICEF Regional Ambassador for South Asia Sachin Tendulkar teams up with Sri Lanka’s children appeared first on Newswire.