Early childhood care a social responsibility: Ministers

Colombo, January. 10 (Daily Mirror) - Minister of Women and Child Affairs Ms. Saroja Paulraj said the standardisation and development of early childhood development has been identified as a primary objective of her Ministry for 2026. 

Addressing the National Communication Programme for Child Health Promotion launch, she said preschool teachers play a vital role in providing children with love, care and a safe environment that shapes their values and social behaviour.

Minister of Health and Mass Media Nalinda Jayatissa said building a healthy future generation is a key goal of the Government, particularly in preventing non-communicable diseases. He said that children aged three to five today will become young adults by 2040, and continuous early interventions are essential to protect that generation from future health challenges.

Both ministers highlighted that preschool and early childhood development centre teachers carry a major responsibility in shaping the country’s future through their role in early childhood care and education.