Sri Lanka looks to join Global Charter on Children's Care Reform to boost family-based care

Sri Lanka signed a letter of intent on 17 February 2026 to join the Global Charter for Children's Care Reform, with Minister Saroja Paulraj signing during a visit by UK Deputy Prime Minister David Lammy; the UK also provided £1 million in humanitarian assistance for communities affected by Cyclone Ditwah.

Sri Lanka signed a letter of intent on 17 February 2026 to join the Global Charter for Children's Care Reform. The Honourable Saroja Paulraj, Minister for Women and Child Affairs, signed the letter during a visit to Colombo by UK Deputy Prime Minister David Lammy. The Charter, launched by Lammy in early 2025, aims to strengthen families, prevent unnecessary separation, promote safe family-based care and end the use of institutions for children's care. The visit also included discussions on economic cooperation, reconciliation and humanitarian priorities. Key facts: - The letter of intent was signed by Minister Saroja Paulraj during Deputy Prime Minister David Lammy's visit to Colombo. - The Global Charter for Children's Care Reform, launched in early 2025, seeks to strengthen families, prevent unnecessary separation and end institutional care. - David Lammy met President Anura Kumara Dissanayake, the Leader of the Opposition, Tamil political leaders and civil society representatives to discuss cooperation and reconciliation. - The UK announced £1 million in urgent humanitarian assistance to Sri Lanka, delivered through trusted partners on the ground. - That assistance supported emergency shelter, clean water, sanitation and essential relief items for families affected by Cyclone Ditwah. Summary: The letter of intent signals Sri Lanka's intent to align with international efforts to promote family-based care and reduce reliance on institutional settings. Officials discussed related topics including reconciliation and humanitarian support during the visit. Undetermined at this time.