The Government and relevant institutions hold a responsibility to ensure proper care for children during early childhood development, Secretary to the Ministry of Health Dr. Anil Jasinghe said, highlighting the need for a standardized early childhood education system.

Addressing the media on September 23, Dr. Jasinghe explained that while Sri Lanka maintains a free and formal school education system from Grade 1, early childhood education has largely developed through the private sector based on individual abilities, needs, and preferences. “As a result, there is no common standard. While some pre-schools provide a very high standard, others may be well below the expected standards,” he said, clarifying that government responsibility does not mean taking over and running all pre-schools, but ensuring fairness and proper care for children in this age group.

Citing international research, Dr. Jasinghe referred to economist James Joseph Heckman’s findings that investment in early childhood development from birth to five years yields high economic returns.

He pointed to a 2025 survey conducted by the Health Promotion Bureau (HPB), Colombo University, and UNICEF across four provinces involving 1,100 children, parents, and pre-school teachers from 55 pre-schools. The survey revealed that 64% of children had over 30 minutes of daily screen time, 43% ate meals while watching screens and 32% slept less than the recommended 10 to 11 hours per day. Additionally, 80% brushed their teeth twice daily, 56% of caregivers lost their temper with children, and only 53% of fathers were closely involved in childcare.

In response to these concerns, the HPB and UNICEF have developed the ‘National Programme for Preschool Health Promotion Setting Development’ to improve the health and well-being of pre-school children nationwide, with support from Clean Sri Lanka. (Newswire)