Colombo: The Government has initiated a comprehensive approach to enhance preschool education quality and systematically train preschool teachers, as announced by Prime Minister Dr. Harini Amarasuriya during the launch of the National Communication Programme for Child Health Promotion. This programme aims to promote social and behavioural change among early childhood children and is a collaborative effort involving the Health Promotion Bureau, the Ministry of Women and Child Affairs, the Ministry of Education, Higher Education and Vocational Education, UNICEF, and the Clean Sri Lanka Programme.
According to News.LK, Prime Minister Dr. Harini Amarasuriya emphasized the importance of Early Childhood Development (ECD) for a nation’s human development and future progress. She highlighted that essential aspects of a child’s growth occur within the first five years of life, and the experiences, care, and love received during this period are crucial. Dr. Amarasuriya stressed that early childhood development is a collective responsibility beyond just parents, involving societal support to ensure proper care, protection, education, and health facilities for children.
During the event, Dr. Amarasuriya also underscored the critical role of preschool teachers in children’s lives, as they provide love, care, and guidance that significantly influence children’s development. The Prime Minister revealed that an education policy on early childhood development has been formulated with technical assistance from UNICEF, aiming to align preschool education with a unified curriculum and ensure quality standards.
Minister of Women and Child Affairs, Ms. Saroja Paulraj, further highlighted the Ministry’s primary goal of standardizing and developing early childhood education by 2026. She emphasized the responsibility of teachers to convey warmth and care to children, helping them develop respect for others and an appreciation for their environment.
Minister of Health and Mass Media, Mr. Nalinda Jayatissa, addressed the gathering, discussing the government’s objective to create a future generation capable of leading the country free from current hardships. He noted the importance of comprehensive programmes to prevent non-communicable diseases and highlighted the significant role preschool and early childhood development centre teachers play in shaping the country’s future.
The event was attended by various dignitaries, including governors from multiple provinces, government officials, representatives from UNICEF, and other stakeholders involved in early childhood development. This collective effort underscores the government’s commitment to fostering a supportive environment for children’s growth and development.