Politics

The Minister of Women and Child Affairs, Saroja Savithri Paulraj, announced that the government is taking many steps to improve Early Childhood Development (ECD) and care in Sri Lanka. She highlighted that these efforts follow the vision of “Secure World for Children – Creative Future Generation,” as stated in the government’s policy document. The Minister spoke during the closing session, “Looking Forward and Next Steps,” at the Global Caregiver Forum 2026 in Madrid, Spain. In her speech, she outlined important plans, such as the “Step-Up” communication program to boost health among young children. She also mentioned the goal to create a common curriculum for all preschools in the country by 2027, along with formal training for 19,000 teachers. Additionally, the National Multi-Sectoral Strategic Action Plan for Early Childhood Care and Development (2025–2029) will be put into action. There will also be a five-year program at provincial and district levels to help children with neurological disorders, including autism. Minister Paulraj emphasized that the government aims to change the role of caregivers in Sri Lanka from simple “assistants” to certified professionals. She reiterated the government's dedication to ensuring a safe and bright future for every child and caregiver by adopting global best practices in local policies. She also praised the people of Sri Lanka for their humanitarian efforts in response to the recent Cyclone ‘Ditwah’. The Minister stated that caregiving should be seen as a shared duty between the State and society, not just an individual responsibility.