International Children's Day on Oct 1

by L.S. Ananda WEDAARACHCHI

The national commemorative ceremony to mark International Children's Day will be held on October 1 at Temple Trees under the patronage of President Mahinda Rajapaksa and the First Lady Shiranthi Rajapaksa.

Prime Minister D.M. Jayaratne, Ministry Secretaries, Ambassadors, representatives of government departments and NGOs together with 100 children selected from different parts of the country will participate.

The children's national flag, children's song and children's stamp will be launched at the ceremony. A book depicting the childhood of eminent personalities such as Ven. Welamitiyawe Kusaladhamma Thera, Ven. Bellanwila Wimalaratana Thera, Rev. Fr. Ernest Porutota, Lester James Peris, Malini Fonseka and Nanda Malini will also be launched.

Dr. Charika Marasingha will deliver the commemorative speech.

The ceremony is organised by the Child Development and Women's Affairs Ministry Secretary Sumithra Rahubaddha.