No Differentiation whatever among children of Sri Lanka - President

[February 1, 2006 - 6.00 GMT]

“It is my expectation that all work undertaken by us for the welfare of children should be available to all children with no differentiation whatever, throughout our country, from the extremes of Point Pedro to Dondra Head and Colombo to Batticaloa, encompassing the entire land.

I wish to tell you that one dream which drives me is that of seeing all children, be they Sinhala, Tamil, Muslim, Burgher and all other peoples of our land, live as brothers and sisters of a singe mother in the New Sri Lanka that we shall build,” said President Mahinda Rajapaksa speaking at the launch of the National Year of the Child at the BMICH this morning (01 Feb).

President Rajapaksa further said: “Those participating in the launch of the National Year of the Child have the honour of bearing witness to a moment when Sri Lankan society enters another decisive point in our history. I have immense satisfaction, both as a father and as Head of State, to participate in this event which signifies the dedication of Sri Lankan society towards children, who are the treasured possession of the entire world.”

“It was in 1989 that the world community accepted that children had inherent rights of their own, with the acceptance of the International Agreement on the Rights of Children by the General Assembly of the United Nations. Although Sri Lanka was among the first 20 countries to sign that agreement, it is my belief that we can realize full satisfaction about this only when the agreement fully implemented in all parts of our country,” he said.

The President stressed it was necessary for all of us to prove by action that the Declaration made today on the occasion of inaugurating the National Year of the Child, was not limited words but a reality in action. In doing this it was necessary to respect the right of children to make their views known about decisions that we take on behalf of children.

In conclusion, President Rajapakse said: “on this unique occasion when the government accepts its fundamental responsibility towards the child and takes new steps towards fulfilling that responsibility, I call upon all of you to make a commitment from the very depths of your hearts to build a very special world that is most suited for the child.

(Full text of President’s address) 

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Last Updated Date: February 1, 2006 - 6.00 GMT