UNICEF congratulates eminent Sri Lankan

UNICEF Sri Lanka Representative Reza Hossaini has congratulated Dr. Hiranthi Wijemanne, who has been elected to the United Nations' Committee on the Rights of the Child (CRC).

Hossaini said: 'This is wonderful news as it is recognises the important contribution Dr. Wijemanne has made to the cause of improving conditions for children over many years. She brings an international and Sri Lankan perspective to this role".

"It is also important as it recognises the role Sri Lanka can play, especially in South Asia, in aspiring, leading and setting standards for others to follow in child welfare and development".

Dr. Wijemanne was appointed to the Committee, following elections, on December 21.

Her considerable experience in child rights work includes 27 years as UNICEF Sri Lanka officer. Having joined UNICEF Sri Lanka, in 1977, as a Maternal and Child Health Officer, she played a leading role in a broad range of health-related activities, including the eradication of polio in Sri Lanka in 1993.

One highlight of her UNICEF Sri Lanka career came in the early 1990s when she liaised on UNICEF's behalf with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs as Sri Lanka ratified in 1991, the Convention on the Rights of the Child. Dr. Wijemanne retired from UNICEF in 2003.