World Day of Prayer and Action for Children is celebrated on the 20th of November as a renewal of the commitment to end all forms of violence against Children worldwide.
In commemoration of the 22nd Anniversary of the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child, a celebration of the World Day of Prayer and Action for Children is hosted by the Sarvodaya Movement at the Vishwasemadhi Auditorium, Sarvodaya Headquarters, No. 98, Rawatawatte Road, Moratuwa on the 20th of November 2010 from 09:00am to 12:00pm.
Alarmed by the escalating acts of violence against Children reported across Sri Lanka, over 200 Children from the Buddhist, Christian, Hindu and Islamic faith communities along with religious leaders, child rights activists, community workers will join hands at the celebration renewing an appeal for ending all forms of violence against Children worldwide.
Key speakers at the event include Dr. Hemamal Jayawardena, Child Protection Specialist at UNICEF, Mr. Sarath Abeygoonawardene, National Commissioner for Probation & Child Care Services and National Co-ordinator of the South Asian Initiative to End Violence Against Children (SAIEVAC), Dr.Vinya Ariyaratne, the General Secretary of Sarvodaya and the South Asia Regional Coordinator of the Global Network of Religions for Children and Miss. Rashmi Vidayani, a 17 year old from the National Children’s Council and a member of the Governance Committee of SAIEVAC.
With an inter-faith moment of spirituality for Children being the key highlight, the event also includes interactive activities for Children, children’s performances and a self-defence display.
The World Day of Prayer and Action for Children is a multi-stakeholder initiative that seeks to bring together people of religion and goodwill to safeguard the inviolable dignity of children and promote their well-being. Commemorated annually on Universal Children’s Day, the World Day of Prayer and Action for Children is observed by houses of worship around the world, in which children are placed at the centre of prayers, devotions, and meditations. These religious services are complemented by related commitments to action for the survival, development and protection of children. More information: www.dayofprayerandaction.org
