Children should be given the opportunity to enjoy their holidays – Prime Minister

Prime Minister Dr. Harini Amarasuriya has emphasized that children must be given ample time to enjoy their holidays, prioritizing their mental well-being and rest. During the Second Reading debate on the Bill to amend legislation relating to the employment of women, young, and children, she stressed the significance of implementing robust child protection mechanisms across all systems and environments where children are present.

The Prime Minister made these remarks after noting that inconsistencies in the definition of a 'child' across different laws and gaps within the existing legal framework necessitate strengthening child protection.

The government aims to address these gaps and enhance child protection while introducing broader measures to alleviate the challenges that render children vulnerable. Mandatory education up to the age of 16 has been established, yet there is a growing trend of boys dropping out before completing 13 years of schooling. This situation may expose them to various risks, including harmful behaviors and negative influences, as well as increased vulnerability to exploitation or unlawful activities upon entering society.

In response, one of the main objectives of the education reforms starting in 2026 is to ensure children complete the full 13 years of compulsory education by fostering a safe, supportive, and conducive learning environment. This year, the new curriculum for Grade 1 was introduced, with plans to roll out new curricula for Grades 2 and 6 in 2027.

Concurrently, efforts are underway to strengthen the safety and suitability of school environments, with Rs. 1.9 billion allocated for improving primary education infrastructure in 2026.

Moreover, the Prime Minister highlighted the growing psychosocial challenges faced by children due to issues within their family and social environments. To address this, the C2 Centres initiative was launched in 2025 to strengthen children's psychosocial well-being by providing counselling services and a secure environment for discussing concerns. The pilot program has shown promising results, and teacher training for this initiative has commenced.

Recognizing that child protection extends beyond education, the government is also reforming early childhood education, introducing a policy framework and teachers' handbook for the preschool curriculum. Moreover, the Ministry of Health has issued guidelines on appropriate nutrition for children, while the Ministry of Transport has introduced safety conditions for school transportation.

Lastly, the Prime Minister urged parents and teachers to allow children to take a break during their holidays, ensuring they have freedom and space for their minds.