Minister of Women and Child Affairs, Ms. Saroja S. Paulraj Concludes Official Visit to the United Kingdom

The Hon. Minister of Women and Child Affairs of Sri Lanka, Ms. Saroja S. Paulraj, concluded a successful official visit to the United Kingdom from 18–21 May 2026, engaging in high-level discussions on child protection, social welfare, and international cooperation.

Minister Paulraj participated in a ministerial roundtable convened by the Rt Hon. David Lammy MP, Deputy Prime Minister, Lord Chancellor and Secretary of State for Justice of the United Kingdom, 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.

 

High Commission of Sri Lanka

London

27.May.2026