Children Helping Children

Message from the Chairperson - National Child Protection Authority of Sri Lanka
Ayubowan.

Dear friends, organizers, parents, and my dear children:
On behalf of the National Child Protection Authority of Sri Lanka, it is with great pleasure that I send this
message to congratulate you all for your immense interest and efforts in raising funds and supporting the
restoration of victimized children in Sri Lanka.

For over 11 years since its inception in 2000, the NCPA has been safeguarding and protecting rhe rights of
thousands of ch.ildren through our programs and initiatives. We have a small but dedicated task force that
aims to respond to the needs of every child who comes to us.
I am especially taken over by the enthusiasm that you have for the country of your birth or the motherland of
your parents, despite living thousands of miles away. You are a shining example to other expat Sri Lankans
and indeed all responsible citizens who will, hopefully be catalyzed by your own efforts in doing the right
thing for the futures of the children of this country.

As you know, there are thousands of children who have been affected by the conflict in Sri Lanka during
these past three decades. As a result of the foresight and great commitment of our President Mahinda
Rajapaksa, the country is emerging slowly but surcly from this dark period. I believe the responsibility lies on
all of us to help our country by uplifting and protecting our children - because this is the generation tbat
remains to take our country forward to a newer and brighter tomorrow. must ensure that everyone of
these children has an equal opportunity to achieve their full potential in life - without suffering from any
forms of abuse. If we cannot do this, as parents, as guardians, and as guides for all of our children, then I
believe we have failed as a society.

In this regard, let me encourage you all to persevere in your untiring efforts in raising awareness and soliciting
support for the efforts of tile NCPi through the Cbiidre Helping Cbilare initiative, In doing so, you are
helping to preserve and look after the well-being of some of the most marginalized and vulnerable children in
this country. Through your efforts, we can provide individualized therapeutic care to abuse victims who reach
us through our 24-hour heJpline everyday. We can provide meals, clothing, education, life-skills training,
livelihood support, counseling and healthcare to such victims to restore them, and increase their resilience
and hope for a better life.
I must especially thank Anne de Silva and her wonderful little son, Sen, for supporting 12 children every
month through the NCPA's 'Surakna' Foster Care Program. These were children who had lost their parents
and were destined to be institutionalized in Homes where the would not have had proper care or attention,
Thanks to Anne and all tile other donors, these cbildren are now living happily within their extended families,
going to school, and being fed and looked after by people who care about their well-being,

And I thank all the children, Anne and the organizers for holding this cultural event and helping to make it a
success. It is thanks to the efforts of people like you that we can persevere in eliminating the menace of abuse
in our country.

In closing I would like to wish you all the very best in all you do, and mal' all the good work that you do today
and in future for the children of this cowltry be bestowed as blessings upon you and your families and
children. I hope every Sri Lankan expat around the world takes your lead.

And it is my sincere wish that I will be able to see some of you in Sri Lanka soon, so that you can visit these
children and see the joy and hope and the wonderful life-a ffirming smiles on their faces for yourselves.
hope you all have a wonderful time together today and leave with  good memories.

Thank you.

Donationas for National Child Protection Fund

NCPA initiated to set up a sponsorship for needy and unprotected children in Northern and Eastern provinces as the same way the NCPA helping the Tsunami affected children. The sponsors will be provided the details of the child they wish to sponsor and also will be given and opportunity to see the child when ever they want.