Ensuring a safe future and a bright life for children is the foremost responsibility and duty of all of us. The Provincial Administration will make its fullest efforts to implement the constructive proposals presented through this symposium, said the Hon. Governor of the Northern Province, N. Vethanayahan.
A special symposium under the theme “Child Welfare and Protection – 2026” was held today – on Monday 02 March 2026, at Thiruvalluvar Cultural Hall in Jaffna, organized by the Northern Provincial Department of Probation and Child Care Services.
The event was conducted under the chairmanship of the Commissioner of the Department, Mrs. Sujeeva Sivathas. The Chief Guests were the Hon. Governor of the Northern Province, N. Vethanayahan, and Sumith Abeysinghe, Chairman of the Sri Lanka Finance Commission.
Delivering a special address at the symposium, the Governor stated that the Northern Province has endured the impacts of war for a very long period. Therefore, greater attention must be paid to the protection of children in this region. Many children live having lost their mother, father, or both parents. Compared to other children, their needs and protection arrangements are particularly unique. Even today, many children continue to live in child care institutions. Although not all reside in such homes, many children within the community require our support. We must show the utmost concern to ensure that no child loses access to education due to poverty, he emphasized.
Furthermore, highlighting the increasing social deviations targeting children in the current context, the Governor stressed the need for heightened awareness and proactive action. He reiterated that all stakeholders must work collectively to properly identify the distinct and common issues faced by children in the province and to resolve them wherever possible.
The symposium featured specialized technical sessions and panel discussions by sectoral experts under four main themes: children in conflict with and in contact with the law; children’s mental health and psychosocial support; education and child protection; and the safe use of information and communication technology and artificial intelligence for children and youth.
Earlier, an exhibition of children’s artwork was ceremonially opened by the guests. Medals were also awarded to children from child care institutions who had been selected for admission to universities and colleges of education.
Distinguished guests included the Chief Secretary of Northern Province, Mrs. Thanuja Murugesan; Secretary to the Sri Lanka Finance Commission, A.M.U.D.P. Thennakoon; Senior Assistant Secretary of the Provincial Ministry of Health, Mrs. S. Lathumeera; special speaker, retired High Court Judge and member of the Administrative Appeals Tribunal, Mrs. Sirinithi Nanthasekaran; and Mrs. Niluka Wickramasinghe, representative of The Asia Foundation, among others.
This special symposium was organized with financial assistance from the Government of Australia and with the full support of The Asia Foundation’s “Strengthening Governance Programme.”
