The key purpose of this project, which values 50 Dollar millions is to enhance equitable access to and improve the quality of ECD centers.

According to the Minister of Women and Child Affairs Chandrani Bandara, the quality early childhood education is a mandatory factor which has a direct influence towards the development of a country. A good foundation in early childhood education has an impact as it is these children who will become decision makers in future and they can give a better start to the next generation.

The objectives of this project are expected to meet during next 5 years with the support of the Project Management Unit, the Child Secretariat, and the officials from all districts and provinces and also from the NGOs.

In Sri Lanka there are around 17,500 early childhood development centers, which are staffed by around 29,350 teachers. This project will focus on around 6000 ECD centers, which need assistance and improvement. The primary beneficiaries of this project will be the children of the country.

State Minister of Women and Child Affairs Wijayakala Maheshwaran, Secretary to the Ministry Chandrani Senarathne, Director of the project Dr.Ravi Nanayakkara and the World Bank’s Country Director in Sri Lanka Francolse Clottes also were present at the inauguration.