On June 11, 2026, the Kothmale West Divisional
Secretariat enthusiastically joined global communities to celebrate the International
Day of Play. Recognizing that play is not just a recreational activity but
a fundamental right and a vital pillar for early childhood growth, special
commemorative events were successfully organized across all Early Childhood
Development Centres (ECDCs) within the division.
This year’s celebrations were guided by a profoundly
meaningful and timely national theme:
"Protect Play – Protect Childhood"
(සුරකිමු සෙල්ලම් - සුරකිමු ළමාවිය)
The theme highlights the critical responsibility of parents,
educators, and the state to safeguard unstructured play, ensuring that children
can experience a natural, joyful, and healthy childhood in a rapidly evolving
digital world.
The Power of Play in Early Childhood Development
The Early Childhood Development Centres in Kothmale West
transformed into vibrant spaces of laughter, creativity, and exploration. The
day's events were carefully curated by pre-school educators and field officers
to maximize child engagement and development through various interactive
sessions:
- Traditional
& Group Games: Fostering essential social skills, teamwork, and emotional
resilience.
- Creative
Play Zones:
Utilizing eco-friendly and simple materials to stimulate cognitive
development, motor skills, and imagination.
- Active
Physical Play:
Promoting physical health, balance, and spatial coordination.
A Shared Commitment to Our Children
The Kothmale West Divisional Secretariat firmly believes that
investing in early childhood development lays the foundation for a prosperous
and balanced society. By celebrating the International Day of Play, the
institution underscores its commitment to enforcing child protection policies
and creating safe, engaging spaces for our younger generation to grow.
"We extend our heartfelt gratitude to the dedicated
pre-school teachers, parents, and field coordination officers who brought this
event to life. Let us continue to work together to protect the innocence of
childhood and give our children the freedom to play, learn, and grow."
