Dec 09, Colombo: Special Event to mark the Anniversary of the Convention on the Rights of the Child (CRC) was held in Parliament recently under the patronage of Mahinda Yapa Abeywardana, the Speaker of Parliament.

The special event was organized by the Parliamentary Caucus for Children in collaboration with the United Nations International Children’s Emergency Fund (UNICEF).

The United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child, which was announced on November 20th, 1989, completes 33 years post coming to effect in order to ensure the continued protection of children’s rights.

Sri Lanka signed the convention in 1991 and in 2014, on its 25th anniversary, the "Parliamentary Caucus for Children" was established.

The Speaker Mahinda Yapa Abeywardana said since it is reported that cases of child abuse are increasing day by day, necessary legal changes will be made to secure children’s rights.

Chairperson of the Parliamentary Caucus for Children MP Rohini Kumari Wijeratne, said the caucus will intervene in the future to solve the problems and shortcomings affecting children in the fields of health, nutrition, education, etc.

Mr. Christian Skoog, the UNICEF Representative for Sri Lanka, who evaluated the work of the Parliamentary Caucus for Children, said that he will support the programs launched for the safety of children in the future.

Minister of Education and Leader of the House Dr. Susil Premajayantha, Leader of the Opposition Sajith Premadasa, MP Dr. Sudarshini Fernandopulle, founding chairperson of the Parliamentary Caucus for Children also expressed their views at this event.

Members of Parliament, youth representing the university community, Chief of Staff and Deputy Secretary General of the Parliament and Secretary of the Parliamentary Caucus for Children Mrs. Kushani Rohanadeera were also present on this occasion.