Sri Lanka has launched a new initiative targeting children in urban apartment complexes, aiming to build social cohesion and encourage school attendance among disadvantaged youth.
A national 'Peace Children's Clubs' programme was launched yesterday at the Mihijaya Sevana housing complex in Modara, Colombo 15, as part of efforts to strengthen community bonds among young residents in urban settlements. The initiative operates under the Ministry of Justice and National Integration, with implementation shared between the Office for National Unity and Reconciliation, the Urban Settlements Development Authority and the Colombo District Secretariat.
The programme seeks to cultivate positive values including empathy, trust and social responsibility among children from diverse ethnic, religious and socioeconomic backgrounds. Officials behind the initiative emphasise promoting respect for the law while discouraging corruption and misconduct among participating youth.
During 2026, the programme will expand to five housing complexes across Colombo District: Mihijaya Sevana, Randiya Uyana, Muwadora Uyana, Sirimutu Uyana and Laksanda Sevana. A central objective is to support children who have dropped out of or are not currently attending school, with the aim of facilitating their return to formal education. The clubs are designed to serve as community spaces where young people can develop civic values and rebuild educational pathways.
