Sri Lanka’s Commitment at the First Global Ministerial Conference to End Violence Against Children
Bogotá, Colombia | 07-08 November 2024

Sri Lanka joined over 1,400 delegates from 119 countries in attending the historic First Global Ministerial Conference to End Violence Against Children, held in Bogotá, Colombia, on November 7-8, 2024. The conference, co-hosted by the governments of Colombia and Sweden in partnership with the World Health Organization (WHO) and UNICEF, focused on accelerating global efforts to eliminate all forms of violence against children and adolescents.

The conference was officially opened by Colombian President Gustavo Petro Urrego, who emphasized that violence against children not only violates fundamental human rights but also hinders social and economic development across nations. He called on world leaders to unite in eradicating violence in all its forms, thereby ensuring a brighter, more secure future for children and adolescents globally.

Sri Lanka was represented by a distinguished delegation led by Mr. K. Maheshan, Secretary of the Ministry of Women, Child Affairs, Youth and Sports, alongside senior officials from the Ministry of Education and the Department of Probation and Child Care. The delegation’s participation, under the guidance of Hon. Prime Minister Dr. Harini Amarasooriya, underscores Sri Lanka’s firm commitment to the global agenda of ending violence against children and adolescents.

During the conference, Sri Lanka made a series of significant pledges, which reflect the country’s dedication to fostering a safe and nurturing environment for all children. These pledges include:

1.     Ban on Corporal Punishment: Sri Lanka will introduce a comprehensive legal framework by mid-2025 to ban corporal punishment in all settings, including homes, schools, and other institutions. The initiative will encourage positive parenting and educational practices that prioritize the safety and well-being of children.

2.     Strengthening Social Services Response: By the end of 2026, Sri Lanka will define the roles and responsibilities of social service personnel in responding to cases of child violence. This will be supported by specialized training programs and response protocols designed to ensure timely and effective intervention.

3.     Child-Sensitive Services for Survivors: Sri Lanka will establish a continuum of child-sensitive services for survivors of violence. A pilot program will be launched in one province by 2025, with a national rollout planned by 2027, ensuring comprehensive care and support for children affected by violence.

4.     Creating Safer Schools: The Ministry of Education will revise existing policies and enhance teacher training on positive discipline techniques by mid-2025. This initiative will contribute to the creation of school environments that are free from violence and conducive to learning and development.

These pledges demonstrate Sri Lanka’s commitment to fulfilling its obligations under the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child and advancing global efforts to protect children from violence. Sri Lanka’s participation in this landmark conference reflects its strong resolve to work alongside international partners in creating a world where all children are safe, secure, and empowered to thrive.

As part of its ongoing efforts to protect children’s rights, Sri Lanka will continue to align its national strategies with global standards and best practices, ensuring that the protection of children remains a top priority for the government.