National fund to ensure the safety of children

COLOMBO (News 1st) - President Maithripala Sirisena noted that he would take necessary steps to set up a national fund in place within the next two weeks in order to ensure the safety of children of Sri Lanka. The President made this statement while addressing a conference of the “Let’s Protect Children" national program held in Colombo today(February 20). The conference was held at the Sugathadasa Stadium in Colombo. The President also provided funds valued at Rs. 14mn in order to improve standards of schools with differently abled children, to purchase equipment for nurseries and also to renovate orphanages. The President addressed the crowd present at the event. He noted that it was his sole intention to identify the issues faced by the children of Sri Lanka through reports and social surveys in order to strengthen the programs carried out by the government to protect children. He stressed that the decision to abolish the grade 5 scholarship examination was wise and as only 13% students who pass the scholarship examination enter universities. He added that this message should be conveyed to the discouraged grade 5 students who have failed the scholarship examination. Chandrani Bandara, Minister of Women and Child Affairs also shared her views at the occasion. She noted that the drug menace is overwhelming the schools rapidly. She noted that small-time drug dealers reach out to minors and sell them drugs. She added that this was a serious issue and it was absolutely necessary to punish the perpetrators accordingly. It is certain that the entire country would rally behind this statement made by Minister Chandrani Bandara. However, is it not fitting to first take action on those in Parliament who consume narcotics? On a similar note, President Maithripala Sirisena has taken steps to establish an authoritative body to rehabilitate those addicted to narcotics. An Interim Board was set in place today(February 20) until the permanent authoritative body is established. President noted that it was equally important to rehabilitate the victims as much as hunting down drug peddlers and drug dealers. He instructed the officials present to come up with a suitable structure to enforce his idea. He added if the officials were to provide a recommendation within a week or two, it could be implemented without delay.