More than 60 children from underserved communities across Sri Lanka will come together to develop child-led recommendations aimed at influencing future discussions on child rights and participation. The gathering, known as the Second Child Rights Council, is organized by Child Action Lanka (CAL) and is scheduled to take place over two days at Gateway College in Colombo.
The Council follows the success of its inaugural event in 2025 and seeks to advance beyond simply raising awareness about child rights. This year’s program focuses on empowering children to advocate for solutions grounded in their own experiences. Delegates representing areas including Batticaloa, Mullaitivu, Kilinochchi, Nuwara Eliya, Bogawantalawa, Kandy, Talpe, and Colombo will collaborate to identify challenges affecting their lives and debate potential remedies.
Jeremy De Zilwa, Project Chairperson for the Child Rights Council event, emphasized the importance of providing young people with direct opportunities to voice their perspectives. He remarked that children should represent themselves on societal and systemic issues rather than relying on adults to speak on their behalf. De Zilwa highlighted the platform’s role in facilitating structured discussions where affected children can share experiences, pose questions, and devise solutions, noting that outcomes improve when those impacted by problems engage actively in the dialogue. He further expressed hope that the Council’s influence would extend beyond the event, motivating more organizations to include children as active participants in decisions impacting their lives and encouraging dialogue among schools, policymakers, and other stakeholders.
The Council is being held in partnership with Sri Lanka Model United Nations (SLMUN). Sinhala and Tamil delegates, including those from communities previously affected by conflict, will collaborate with experienced student mentors throughout the event. This setup aims to foster leadership, mutual understanding, and self-confidence among participants, while bridging social and regional divides.
Central to CAL’s approach is the belief that children are experts in their own lives rather than passive recipients of adult decision-making. Providing a structured environment for children to share their experiences and shape practical recommendations not only strengthens their advocacy abilities but also enhances their broader critical thinking and confidence.
Founded in 2006, Child Action Lanka operates nine child development centers across seven districts, offering support in education, health, nutrition, and child protection for vulnerable children. The organization has long recognized the transformative impact of nurturing children’s agency. This year’s Council has garnered additional support and partnerships from Belluna Lanka and UEFA, aiming to enrich the delegates’ experience and ensure a memorable event.