Children’s rights can be protected only if they receive proper nutrition: Opposition Leader Sajith
23-Aug-2026.
The livelihoods of parents must be strengthened if the rights of children are to be protected. Only when the country’s children have a healthy lifestyle and receive proper nutrition can their rights be protected, Opposition Leader Sajith Premadasa said.
He made these remarks while participating in the parliamentary debate on the Employment of Women, Young Persons and Children (Amendment) Bill on August 20, 2026.
He further said:
“The Opposition extends its consent and support to the decisions taken by the Minister of Women and Child Affairs for the welfare of children.
“The rights of our country’s children can be protected only if they have a healthy lifestyle and receive proper nutrition. Policies have been formulated based on various statistics recognised by the Department of Census and Statistics and the Government.
“Nevertheless, rather than protecting children’s rights, these circumstances are increasing malnutrition among children, mothers and families.
“If we are to protect children’s rights, the livelihoods of their parents must be strengthened. Therefore, I urge the Government to intervene and provide swift solutions to the serious problems faced by the people.”
“The Department of Census and Statistics has stated that Rs 17,315 is sufficient for one person to live for 30 days as of May 2026.
“In reality, this is not possible. The right of children to a healthy life is violated by statistics generated on the basis of such inaccurate information. This is an injustice not only to children, mothers, women and young people, but to the entire population of 22 million.
“Since Parliament has been discussing the problems faced by farmers on every sitting day, the Government has now been compelled to allocate additional funds for the purchase of paddy and has sent the matter to the Committee on Public Finance for approval.
“An allocation of Rs 7.5 billion for this purpose is a positive development. However, this is not a complete solution.
“When the cost of producing one kilogramme of paddy is Rs 137, farmers must be given a fair price that covers their production costs. At the same time, a proper paddy procurement programme is also necessary,” he said.
