National Early Childhood Care and Development Week begins today

The Ministry of Women and Child Affairs has announced that National Early Childhood Care and Development Week will be observed from today (14) until July 20, 2026.The National Early Childhood Care and Development Week will be observed under the theme, "Towards a Developing Child World – a Sunbeam, a Happy Family."The initiative aims to foster a generation of Sri Lankan children who are physically, psychosocially, and intellectually well-developed.To mark the week, the Ministry has planned a series of awareness and community-based programmes across the island, according to Minister of Women and Child Affairs Saroja Savithri Paulraj.The Minister stated that the campaign seeks to build a community that is well-informed about early childhood care and development while highlighting the importance of ensuring access to quality services for young children.Speaking on the occasion, Minister Paulraj said the week-long programme is designed to raise public awareness of the critical role early childhood care and development plays in shaping children's future.She added that the initiative will particularly focus on educating parents and communities about the importance of providing a nurturing environment for children, urging them to "Be aware and act for the sake of your child."