Sri Lanka focuses on early childhood development

The Sri Lankan government paying special attention to early childhood development has declared the National Early Childhood Care and Development (ECCD) Week to create awareness among public on the importance of the early years of a child's life.


Ministry of Child Development an Women's Affairs along with the UNICEF has launched the ECCD Week from December 14 - 21 with the 'importance of investing in early childhood' as the main theme.

In a special message to mark the event President Mahinda Rajapaksa has said that his government is committed to give special attention to early childhood development through establishing a separate ministry for this work.

He has commended the Children's Secretariat of the Ministry of Child Development and Women's Affairs for declaring a National Week to create awareness among the young and old on Early Childhood Care and Development.

The UNICEF says the period of early childhood years starting from conception till the age of eight is when the crucial physical, cognitive, social, and emotional development of a child takes place and essential support is required during this period to ensure that a child survives and thrives.

UNICEF Representative, Reza Hossaini has noted that the earliest years of a child's life has a great impact on his or her immediate well-being and future.

"Improving early childhood practices is of fundamental importance as we strive to ensure children become healthy, happy, and productive members of society," he has said.

Minister for Child Development and Women's Affairs has said that through these early childhood care and development drives, the assistance provided to improve the lives of children is further reinforced.

A recent UNICEF report on nutrition and food security survey in the country noted that while overall, with increasing wealth there is a significant decline in the prevalence of stunting, wasting, underweight and anemia in women and children, that there are significant regional disparities in the nutritional status of the Sri Lankan population.

The National ECCD Week is aimed to increase awareness of the need to have quality services, encourage greater investment, share best practices, and reach a common understanding of the expectations and future plans for ECCD in the country, the UNICEF noted.