"Let us join hands to protect the world of children" is a theme that resounds with hope and fervor for a challenging but an inspirational message on this International Children's Day.

Today is not only the day the world celebrates children but also the day we remember our elders; The World Elders Day also falls today.

As a community, we have a social obligation to the children and to the elders among us to assure their well being while attending to their needs.

We owe it to our elders for moulding us to be the people that we are - their contribution to the success of each of us cannot be under-estimated and must be recognized and rewarded, especially as they encounter difficulties in the evening of their lives.

When compared with many parts of the world, Sri Lanka can still take pride in her cultural heritage ; it encourages and fosters strong relationships within families and places emphasis on taking care of our elders while enabling our children to thrive in an environment of love and caring.

Let us once again reiterate our commitment towards taking proper care of our elders and our children.

Ranil Wickremesinghe
Prime Minister