SFHQ-W Conducts Awareness Programme on ‘Early Childhood Development & Child Abuses’

Two separate educative programmes on ‘Early Childhood Development and Child Abuses’ were conducted in the Security Force Headquarters - Wanni (SFHQ-W) premises and 21 Division Headquarters premises to educate troops of their under-command formations and civilians in Anuradhapura and Wanni region on ‘Development of the brain of a child and ill-effects of present day social trends and social media’ on Saturday (3).

As an initiative of Commander, Security Forces – Wanni, Major General Kumudu Perera, the first programme was held on 03 February 2018 at the 21 Division under the supervision of General Officer Commanding, Major General Ruwan De Silva. Over 1000 participants representing Army, Navy, Air Force, Police, Civil Defence Force, Parents & Teachers of Pre-schools in Anuradhapura and other civilians in the area attended the lecture.

The next programme was held at the SFHQ-W with the participation of over 850 personnel representing Tri Forces and the Police along with pre-school teachers and parents in Wanni region.

The lecture team comprised of Executive Director Hemas Outreach Foundation/ General Manager Communication and Sustainable Development Hemas PLC and child psychologist / councillor, Mrs Shiromi Masakorala who conducted the introduction to Early Childhood Development laid emphasis on the most important period of child’s life where physical and cognitive development take place.

Child's holistic development process involving physical, cognitive, linguistic, emotional, social and spiritual aspects was touched by the retired Principal and the former Assistant Director of Education Mr Chandrapala Dissanayake.

Finally, the Chief Inspector of Police attached to the Child and Women Bureau, Mr. Manoj Samarasekara, delivered the ever so important lecture on “Child abuses, ill-treatment and effects of social media / anti-social trends”. He highlighted several incidents of criminal nature and stated that most perpetrators themselves are ones that have suffered similarly during their early childhood. Further, he emphasized the importance of restoring moral values and ethics in the society to prevent crimes against children.

The General Officer Commanding, 54 Division, Major General Athula Galagamage was the Chief guest at the event. He gave away tokens of appreciation to the panel of lecturers at the end of this valuable programme.