The World Children's Day is a good opportunity to gain the support of all segments of society in the campaign against child labour, as Sri Lanka celebrates this event under the theme "a benevolent land that dazzles the world with a child-friendly environment".

It also appears as an opportunity to remind the world that every child has the right for free public education, protection and good health, he added.

Addressing a ceremony organised by the Women and Children's Affairs Division of the Labour Department in line with International Children's Day celebrations Minister Seneviratne said: "I am happy to say that the utility of child labour in Sri Lanka is very low when compared to other countries. We should work further in eradicating child labour from our motherland."

Expressing his grief at the harrowing ordeals suffered by children during the past few months, the Minister said the reintroduction of the capital punishment has now became a timely need for creating a children friendly environment for the next generation.

Minister Seneviratne also distributed school books and equipment among 15 students of low income families in Colombo.

Colombo Acting District Secretary Sunil Kannangara launched the pledge for making Colombo district a zone free of child labour at this ceremony.

Labour and Trade Union Relations State Minister Ravindra Samaraweera, Labour Department Commissioner General Chandani Amarathunga and several others were present at the event.