Army Viru Daruwo comes under the umbrella of Viru Daru Organisation

With the noble objective of providing solace and support to overcome the traumatic experiences faced by the children (10-23) of Army personnel, they have been brought under the umbrella of the Viru Daru Organization," on a concept mooted by the President, Seva Vanitha Army Branch (SVAB), Mrs Manjulika Jayasuriya.

The ceremonial induction of theViru Daru Children's organisation in the Army, designed to realise the immense potential in children of Army personnel got underway on Saturday, September 24 evening at the Colombo Defence School Auditorium with the participation of Mrs Cybil Wettasinghe, veteran editor of childrens' books as the chief guest and a host of other distinguished invitees as guests of honour, including Member of Parliament (MP) Namal Rajapaksa, Kumar Sangakkara, Muttiah Muralidaran and Ajantha Mendis.Once the traditional oil lamp lighting ceremony and observance of a two minute silence to honour the fallen war heroes took place, a team of Viru Daru children sang the Viru Daru theme song and the the day's ceremony got to a start .

The chief guest Cybil Wettasinghe being welcomed.

Namal Rajapaksa,MP giving a token gift to one of the office bearers.

The chief guest, Mrs Wettasinghe addressing the Viru Daru children who are to be the future members of the organisation commended them for their patience and sacrifices made on behalf of their father or mother who went to the battlefield some time back, but never returned home.

The formal founding of the Viru Daru organization proper, to be followed by the inauguration of the Viru Daru Fund is of great significance because a large number of children of War Heroes continue to suffer from traumatising memories of their bitter experiences after having lived with the fear of losing their loved ones, mostly the father, during the 30-years of conflict .

The ceremonial inauguration of the Viru Daru organization comprised the awarding of scholarships, the presentation of identity badges to office-bearers of the new organisation, launching of the new Viru Daru webpage, presentation of appreciative plaques and mementos, etc and was coloured by eye-catching dancing and singing features.

Chairpersons of all Seva Vanitha Units in the Army attended the inaugural occasion as invitees.

The organisation is to be initiated with the aim of creating an optimal environment for recognising, developing and nurturing the strengths and talents of children, belonging to Army personnel. Major General D.R.A.B. Jayatilake, Commander, Sri Lanka Army Volunteer Forces, Mrs Otara Del Gunawardane, Nisshanka Diddeniya, Pramuditha Wickramasinghe, Mrs Jayanthi Daluwatte, Mrs Dilhani Weerasooriya, Mrs Gnana Balagalle, Mrs Sonia Kottegoda and several other invitees were among guests of honour.

Child Protection Committees to be set up in schools

by Rohana Jayalal

The National Child Protection Authority (NCPA) in collaboration with the Education Ministry has made arrangements to set up School Child Protection Committees in all government schools in the country. According to the NC P A, the main objective of setting up of these committees is to protect schoolchildren from all types of abuses within school premises during school sessions.The programme would ensure a child friendly environment in every school aiming to protect the value of childhood.

The school principal, teachers and the other parties in the school are responsible for the safety of students. Therefore all school heads and office-bearers should maintain close links with the coordinators of the NCPA who have been appointed at district level to prevent and deal with any child abuse cases.

According to the NCPA,the Child Protection Committees , the NCPA and the Ministry of Education will take precautions to safeguard future generations while monitoring the entire process.

The Education Ministry Secretary H.M. Gunasekara has instructed all Provincial Directors of Education in a circular to direct all school Heads and Pirivena Heads to form these Child Protection Committees. The committees should consist of head prefects and senior teachers who are popular and held in high esteem by students and parents .

In line with this programme a novel concept has also been introduced to the school system titled Sinaha Kandulu Pettiya (Smile - Tear Box).

This allows students to express their ideas while maintaining their identity.

The teachers and counsellors will address and guide students who are suffering from such issues.

The inaguration programme of establishing Child protection Committees and the Sinaha- Kandulu Pettiya concept will be held at Ananda Balika Vidyalaya,Kotte under the petronage of Child Development and Women's Affairs Minister, Tissa Karaliyadda and Education Minister Bandula Gunawardena.