850 children that have lost both parents live in welfare villages

(Lanka-e-News, June 12, 2009, 9.25 AM) Minister of Child Development and Women’s Welfare Sumedha Jayasena says that among 50,000 children that live in welfare villages 850 have lost both parents. She revealed these facts addressing the cabinet press briefing held yesterday afternoon (11) in the parliamentary premises. Mrs. Jayasena said that her Ministry is still looking for if either of the parents of these children is living in the camps. The 349 children that lived in two children’s homes in Kilinochchi have been brought to the Ministry-owned buildings in Vavuniya and they have been provided with facilities, the Minister said.

She further stated that the parentless children would be provided with the protection in permanent children’s homes sponsored by the S. O. S. The Minister pointed out that the Ministry has begun pre schools for the 50,000 children in the camps recruiting 150 O/L passed persons as teachers. The women in camps will be provided with professional training through the resource centers run by the Ministry.