Sri Lanka puts childhood itself on the national agenda

Marking National Children's Day under the theme 'Mentally Strong, Children Empowered,' Prime Minister Harini Amarasuriya told children their emotional security comes first — announcing reforms to end physical punishment, protect children's dignity, and build shields against cyberbullying as AI enters classrooms. President Anura Kumara Dissanayake's message promised every child equal chances at education, health care and play regardless of where they were born. The government declared a full National Children's Day Week of programmes on children's rights and well-being.