The Cabinet has given its approval to a pioneering five-year national initiative designed to support early childhood development for children diagnosed with autism and other neurodevelopmental disorders.

Under the plan, specific measures will focus on strengthening services across 25 districts, including establishing child development intervention centres at district level, setting up community children’s centres at provincial level, and rolling out capacity-building programmes for service providers.

An allocation of Rs. 200 million from this year’s budget has been earmarked for setting up a treatment centre for children with autism and other neurodevelopmental disorders at the Lady Ridgeway Children’s Hospital in Colombo, meeting international standards of care.

Additionally, the Cabinet has also endorsed the implementation of the National Policy on Early Childhood Care and Development alongside the newly developed National Multi‑Sectoral Strategic Plan on Early Childhood Care and Development 2025‑2029, both aimed at creating a supportive environment that enables all Sri Lankan children to reach their full potential.