SLT conducts program for child protection

Sri Lanka Telecom (SLT) with the National Child Protection Authority (NCPA) organised an awareness program on Child Protection for school principals in the Anuradhapura district recently.

The full-day awareness program was conducted at the Ceybank Rest, Anuradhapura. Principals from over 200 schools in the Anuradhapura district were present.

From left: CEO, SLT Publications and SLT Visioncom, Malraj Balapitiya, Anuradhapura District Government Agent Mahinda Senivirathna, NCPA Chairperson Mrs. Anoma Dissanayake, Deputy Director Educational and Counselling, D. K. Lakshman, Zonal Education Director K. Abeysundara and SLT Regional Manager, Anuradhapura, Ranga Jayawardana at the head table.

Child abuse has been on the rise with the North Central Province recording the highest number of cases of child abuse last year.

Therefore, SLT embarked on its latest Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) initiative at Anuradhapura.

The company will conduct a series of awareness sessions in schools around the island.

CEO, SLT Publications and SLT VisionCom, Malraj Balapitiya said, "Child abuse is a serious issue that needs to be addressed. Our children are our future. It is our responsibility to look after them and ensure that they are brought up in a safe and secure environment."

"Children are often victimised as they cannot voice their feelings.

As a responsible corporate citizen, SLT intends to introduce technologically developed products such as Sisu connect, web filtering, parental controlling and many other services, that will enable a secure environment with guided tools to prevent access to various social sites that may lead to child abuse," he said.

"SLT employees at all levels including the top management participated in the child protection drive to provide a secure and safe environment for the younger generation," Balapitiya said.

NCPA Chairperson Mrs. Anoma Dissanayake said, "We are happy to partner SLT to raise a voice against violence on children and I appreciate the initiatives taken by SLT to raise awareness among principals, teachers and students."

"Child protection is a multi-sectorial responsibility and society should protect children from all forms of abuse, neglect and exploitation.

As President Mahinda Rajapaksa points out, unless we protect our children today we will not be able to live in a violence-free country tomorrow," she said.

"I invite other corporates to join us in protecting children who are our future," Dissanayake said.