The Ministry of Women and Child Affairs
The Ministry of Women and Child Affairs is the government institution responsible for formulating and implementing policies, programmes, and initiatives aimed at promoting the rights, welfare, protection, and empowerment of women and children in Sri Lanka. The Ministry plays a vital role in creating an inclusive and supportive environment that enables women and children to achieve their full potential and contribute meaningfully to national development.
The Ministry is committed to safeguarding the rights of children, ensuring their protection from abuse and exploitation, and promoting their health, education, and overall well-being. It also works to empower women through policies and programmes that enhance their social, economic, and political participation while promoting gender equality and women’s rights.
Through its departments, affiliated institutions, and partnerships with governmental, non-governmental, and international organizations, the Ministry implements a wide range of programmes related to child protection, early childhood development, women’s empowerment, family welfare, and community development.
Among its key responsibilities is the oversight of Early Childhood Care and Development (ECCD) initiatives through the National Secretariat for Early Childhood Development, ensuring that young children receive quality care, education, nutrition, and protection during their formative years.
The Ministry of Women and Child Affairs continues to work towards building a society where every woman is empowered, every child is protected, and every family has the opportunity to thrive in a safe, equitable, and nurturing environment.
Address:
Ministry of Women and Child Affairs
5th Floor, Sethsiripaya Stage II, Battaramulla, Sri Lanka.
Web: https://www.childwomenmin.gov.lk
Facebook
https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100064748827135
You Tube –
https://www.youtube.com/@ministryofwomenchildaffair2568
Contact: 011 2186055
Fax: 011 2187249
Email: secretary@childwomenmin.gov.lk
The National Secretariat for Early Childhood Development (NSECD) – Sri Lanka
Introduction
The National Secretariat for Early Childhood Development (NSECD) is the national government institution responsible for promoting, coordinating, and regulating Early Childhood Care and Development (ECCD) in Sri Lanka. It operates under the Ministry of Women and Child Affairs and serves as the focal agency for ensuring the holistic development of children from birth to five years of age.
The Secretariat is responsible for formulating, implementing, monitoring, and evaluating national policies, programmes, and standards related to early childhood development. Its mission is to ensure that every child in Sri Lanka receives quality care, education, health, nutrition, protection, and opportunities for optimal development during the most critical years of life.
The institution works closely with government agencies, provincial councils, local authorities, non-governmental organizations, development partners, preschool teachers, and parents to improve the quality and accessibility of ECCD services throughout the country. It also develops guidelines and minimum standards for Early Childhood Development Centres, supports teacher training, conducts research, and promotes best practices in preschool education and child development.
Originally established as the Children’s Secretariat, the institution was renamed the National Secretariat for Early Childhood Development to better reflect its central role in early childhood care and education in Sri Lanka.
Vision
“Creation of a physically, psychosocially and cognitively developed generation of Sri Lankan children in early childhood.”
Mission
“To ensure the holistic development of Sri Lankan children in early childhood through the formulation, implementation, monitoring and evaluation of policies and programmes.”
Key Functions
- Formulating national ECCD policies and strategies.
- Registering and monitoring Early Childhood Development Centres.
- Developing quality standards and guidelines for preschools.
- Training and capacity building for preschool teachers.
- Coordinating ECCD programmes among government and non-government organizations.
- Promoting child health, nutrition, protection, and early learning.
- Conducting research and maintaining ECCD-related data and information systems.
The National Secretariat for Early Childhood Development plays a vital role in building a strong foundation for lifelong learning and well-being by ensuring that young children in Sri Lanka receive quality early childhood care and education.
Contact Details:
Address:
6th Floor, Sethsiripaya Stage II, Battaramulla, Sri Lanka
Web: childsec.gov.lk
Facebook – www.facebook.com/childrenssecretariat/
You Tube – www.youtube.com/@nationalsecretariat-earlyc9651
Email: children.secretariatsl@gmail.com
Phone: 094 – 112 186 055