COLOMBO : The Minister of Women and Child Affairs of Sri Lanka, Saroja S. Paulraj, concluded a
successful official visit to the United Kingdom from 18–21 May 2026, engaging in highlevel discussions on child protection, social welfare, and international cooperation.
Minister Paulraj participated in a ministerial roundtable convened by Deputy Prime
Minister, Lord Chancellor and Secretary of State for Justice of the United Kingdom, the
Rt Hon. David Lammy MP, in partnership with Hope and Homes for Children, held
alongside the UK Global Partnership Conference. She highlighted Sri Lanka’s progress in
reforming its alternative childcare system, with a focus on family-based care,
deinstitutionalisation, and strengthened community protection mechanisms. Sri Lanka’s
role under the Global Partnership to End Violence Against Children was also underscored.
The Minister further attended the Global Partnerships Conference in London, co-hosted
by the Governments of the United Kingdom and South Africa with British International
Investment and Children’s Investment Fund Foundation. Discussions focused on global
challenges including climate resilience, health, economic stability, and violence against
women and children, while exploring strengthened international partnerships.
The discussion with officials of the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office
centred on key areas including children’s care reform, foster care models, and safeguarding
mechanisms, with particular attention to emerging issues such as online gender-based
violence. Minister Paulraj further held consultations with civil society and international
partners to strengthen family-based care and community support systems.
