Children’s Day will be celebrated by many countries including Sri Lanka on October 1. This year the celebrations will be hampered by the Corona pandemic
The celebration of Children’s Day is aimed at creating awareness about the ‘’Rights of the Child’..
The UN General Assembly adopted the ‘Convention on the Rights of the Child’ on November 20, 1989 and it came into force on September 2, 1990. Sri Lanka, as well as other member states signed the Convention, which laid the foundation for the creation of Children’s Day. 
The ‘World of Tomorrow’ belongs to children. Children are the key to the prosperity and better future of a nation. Taking care of children helps the State to raise its economy to new level.
Today, children are badly affected by the pandemic. In Sri Lanka, their education has been disrupted for well over 18 months. Online classes are not accessible to all children especially rural children. The authorities are focusing on remedial measures and the re-opening schools as soon as possible.
Countries are also carrying out vaccinations of children. In Sri Lanka, State and non-governmental organisations focusing on children will highlight them and their wellbeing and rights on this day.
Newspapers, radio and television too will focus on children on this day
All children have the right to food, education, health, protection from physical and mental harassment, safety and security among other factors.
Some countries will celebrate ‘Children’s Day’ on different days. Children’s Day was first celebrated on the second Sunday in June in 1856 by Rev. Charles Leonard of the Universalist Church of the Redeemer in Massachusetts, USA. He had a special children’s service and called it Rose day.
This name was later changed to Flower Sunday and then to Children’s Day.
It was the Republic of Turkey which officially declared a national holiday for Children’s Day in 1920 with the day set for April 23.
This was confirmed by the Founder and President of Turkey, Mustafa Kemal Ataturk.
Today, it is celebrated as the National Sovereignty and Children’s Day on April 23 with many events organised for children.
Other countries which celebrate Children’s Day include USA, New Zealand, China, Nigeria and Thailand.
Two other celebrations which are held annually for children are the ‘International Children’s Day’ on June 1 and ‘Universal Chidren’s Day’ on November 20.
Children, enjoy your special day.
Source : Internet
