Assisting in the formulation of policies in relation to the subject of Women and Child Development for the creation of a “Prosperous Society” under the direction and guidance of the Minister of Women, Child and Youth Affairs and Sports in conformity with the prescribed Laws, Acts and Ordinances and implementing, projects under the National Budget, State Investment and National Development Programme, and implementing, monitoring and evaluating subjects and functions of the relevant Department and Institutes.
• Department of Probation and Child Care Services
• National Child Protection Authority
• National Secretariat for Early Childhood Development
• National Committee on Women
• Women’s Bureau of Sri Lanka
Special Priorities according to the Gazette
1. Formulation, implementation, monitoring and evaluation of policies, strategies, programmes and projects, in relation to the subjects of Women, Child and Youth Affairs and Sports and those subjects that come under the purview of Departments, Statutory Institutions and Public Corporations listed in Column II based on the national policies implemented by the government.
2. Provision of public services under the purview of the Ministry in an efficient and people friendly manner.
3. Reforming all systems and procedures using modern management techniques and technology, thus ensuring that the functions of the Ministry are fulfilled while eliminating corruption and waste.
4. Implementation of Women’s Charter
5. Formulation and implementation of strategies to enhance women’s participation and representation in decision making in state affairs and the political field
6. Adoption of necessary measures for the empowerment of women affected by conflicts and poverty
7. Strengthening and implementation of laws and policies for the prevention of women and child abuse
8. Amending existing laws and formulating and implementing new laws and policies to prevent discrimination against women on the basis of sex and gender
9. Formulation and implementation of policies and programmes for the empowerment of women headed households
10. Accomplishment of Sustainable Development Goals in relation to women and child affairs
11. Introducing gradual legal and policy reforms to bring minimum 50% of women’s representation in political structures
12. Combatting period poverty by providing necessary tax reliefs, financial and other support.
13. Reducing the burden of unpaid care work on women
14. Formulation of policies and programmes on early childhood protection and development aimed at bringing up physically and mentally healthy children
15. Development and implementation of programmes and projects in line with international standards to protect the rights of vulnerable children
16. Implementation of the Children’s Charter
17. Regulating Child Care Centres
18. Implementation of the Sevana Sarana Foster-Parent Scheme
19. Providing financial assistance for developing the skills of exceptionally talented children
20. Revising discriminatory laws that oppress women and children.
An advanced society the enjoy the full benefits of development fairly and equally.
Formulate and execute programmes for providing and enhancing legal, institutional and human resource services for the economic empowerment, social protection of women, children, vulnerable and disadvantaged people considering national priorities and requirements along with international standards.
| History of the Ministry | Year | Gazette |
| Women's Bureau in Sri Lanka was 1st established under the Ministry of Plan Implementation | 1978 |
|
| Women's Bureau in Sri Lanka was re-established under the Ministry of Women's Affairs and Teaching Hospital | 1983 |  |
| Ministry of Women's Affairs. (Separate Ministry) | 1997 | |
| Ministry of Women Empowerment and Social Welfare | 2004 | |
| Ministry of Child Development and Women's Empowerment | 2006 | |
| Ministry of Child Development and Women's Affairs | 2010 | |
| Ministry of Women's Affairs | 2015 | |
| Ministry of Women and Child Affairs | 2015 | |
| Ministry of Women & Child Affairs and Dry Zone Development | 2019 | |
| Ministry of Women & Child Affairs and Social Security | 2019 | |
| State Ministry of Women and Child Development, Pre-School & Primary Education. School Infrastructure & Education Services | 2021 | |
| Ministry of Women, Child Affairs and Social Empowerment | 2022 | |
| 2024 | |