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The rise of digital technology has created new spaces for children to learn, connect and grow. From online classrooms to social media and gaming platforms, the digital world has become an integral part of childhood. However, with these opportunities comes a growing risk-online harassment and cyberbullying. On World Children’s Day, it is essential to spotlight the importance of protecting children in virtual environments and ensuring their voices, emotions and safety are not compromised.

Cyberbullying takes many forms, including threatening messages, mockery, impersonation, spreading rumours, posting embarrassing photos or excluding someone from online groups. Unlike physical bullying, digital abuse can happen anywhere, anytime-even from behind a screen-and often goes unnoticed by adults. A single harmful post can reach hundreds within seconds, leaving lasting emotional scars.

The psychological impact of cyberbullying on children is profound. Victims may experience anxiety, loneliness, fear, humiliation and depression. Their confidence can drop, affecting academic performance, friendships and family relationships. In severe cases, cyberbullying has led to self-harm, school refusal and long-term trauma. Because children often hesitate to speak up, many suffer in silence while trying to navigate complex emotions alone.

Parents have a crucial role in safeguarding their children. Creating a safe space for open conversations is the first step. Instead of reacting with blame or anger, parents should encourage children to discuss their online experiences freely. Setting age-appropriate screen time limits, monitoring privacy settings and staying informed about the apps children use can help prevent harmful situations. Parents should also watch for signs such as irritability, withdrawal, mood swings, sleep disturbances or sudden disinterest in digital devices or schoolwork.

Schools are equally responsible for prevention and intervention. Digital citizenship education should be part of the curriculum, teaching students about respect, empathy, privacy and the consequences of harmful online actions. Anti-bullying policies must include cyberbullying, with clear steps for reporting and addressing incidents. Teachers and counselors should be trained to identify victims and respond sensitively, ensuring that the child does not feel blamed or isolated. Student-led peer support groups and awareness campaigns can create safer school cultures and empower children to stand against digital bullying.

Community involvement adds another layer of protection. NGOs, youth organizations and child protection agencies can conduct workshops, helplines and outreach programmes. Public awareness campaigns through media and social platforms can educate parents, children and teachers about cyber safety, mental wellbeing and responsible online conduct.

Technology companies must also take accountability. Social media platforms, messaging apps and gaming networks should invest in stronger monitoring systems, AI moderation tools and quick-response mechanisms to report and remove abusive content. Child-friendly settings, privacy controls and age verification processes should be mandatory. Clear communication channels for complaints can help victims feel supported and heard.

Governments can support these efforts by strengthening legal frameworks that criminalize cyberbullying and protect children’s rights online. Collaboration between ministries of education, justice and telecommunications can result in practical guidelines and enforcement mechanisms. Hotlines, support services and data protection policies must be available at national and community levels.

Children themselves need awareness and confidence to protect their digital wellbeing. They should be encouraged to speak up if they feel threatened, harassed or uncomfortable online. Teaching them to block unsafe contacts, report abuse, avoid oversharing personal details and use secure privacy settings is essential. Empowering children to be upstanders-not silent bystanders-helps create safer online communities.

Emotional resilience also plays a key role. Children who feel supported, loved and understood are better equipped to handle challenges. Families can promote hobbies, outdoor activities and social interaction beyond screens to ensure children are not overly dependent on digital validation.

Protecting children from cyberbullying requires teamwork-parents, schools, communities, tech companies, policymakers and children themselves must work together. It is not enough to react after harm occurs; proactive measures, education and empathy are essential to prevention.

On this World Children’s Day, let us commit to building digital spaces rooted in kindness and safety. Every child deserves the freedom to learn, play and connect without fear of humiliation or harassment. By listening, guiding and acting together, we can ensure that technology becomes a tool for progress-not pain-in a child’s life.

Sri Lanka this week wooed Japanese investors to be part of the proposed neutral AI Data Centre to be set up for the benefit of South Asian countries.

The plans were shared and invitation was extended by Chief Presidential Adviser on Digital Economy Dr. Hans Wijayasuriya at a business and investment promotion forum in Tokyo presided by President Anura Kumara Disanayake.

He said that the neutral AI Data Centre will be a virtual Special Economic Zone offering data sovereignty for countries using it whilst making the venture attractive for investors including concessions on use of energy.

The proposed initiative is part of the Sri Lankan Government’s efforts to scale up infrastructure in a bid to grow the digital economy by five times to $ 15 billion by 2030.

‘We invite Japanese companies to invest and help Sri Lanka realise the value creation in the digital economy sphere,’ Dr. Wijayasuriya added in his presentation titled ‘Sri Lanka’s digitalization eco-system and investment opportunities.’

According to him, among Sri Lanka›s digital ambitions were enhancing digital exports by three times to $ 5 billion and expanding the digital workforce to 200,000.

HNB Assurance PLC once again marked a historic milestone by hosting its Partnership Awards 2025 on an international stage for the second consecutive year. Held at the prestigious Royal Signature Hotel, Kuala Lumpur, the gala event welcomed guests from HNB, HNB Assurance staff, Bancassurance Officers and their families, to celebrate the remarkable achievements of the company’s partnership channel.

The Partnership Awards, a flagship annual event for HNB Assurance, serves as a platform to honor and recognize the exceptional contributions of its partnership channel, which continues to play a pivotal role in driving the company’s growth. Following the success of last year’s international debut in Thailand, this year’s event in Malaysia further signifies the company’s expanding vision and growth momentum.

Addressing the gathering, Mr. Lasitha Wimalarathne, Executive Director / CEO of HNB Assurance, expressed his thoughts, stating, ‘This is truly a special occasion as we bring together our teams here in Malaysia to celebrate the achievements of our partnership channel. Over the years, this channel has grown into one of our strongest pillars, contributing significantly to our Gross Written Premiums and overall success.

These milestones are a direct reflection of the commitment, innovation and customer-centric mindset that define our people. As we celebrate tonight, I encourage all of you to continue pushing boundaries and setting new standards in the industry. Congratulations to all the award winners and a heartfelt thank you to everyone who made this gala event a reality.’

The past year has been one of exceptional achievements for HNB Assurance’s partnership channel, which continues to set benchmarks in the industry. With an ever-growing pool of top performers, the team recorded a remarkable number of MDRT qualifiers, along with highest ever COTs and TOTs. HNB Assurance also maintained its position as Sri Lanka’s Best Life Bancassurance Provider, a recognition earned for the fifth consecutive year by the Global Banking and Finance Review.

Reflecting on the significance of the event, Mr. Sanesh Fernando, Chief Business Officer / General Manager – Partnerships, shared, ‘The Partnership Awards are not just about celebrating numbers, they are about celebrating our people, the heart and soul of our success. To witness the growth and accomplishments of our Bancassurance Officers year after year has been truly inspiring.

Hosting our gala in Malaysia this year is a reflection of how far we have come, and I firmly believe the best is still ahead of us. I want to extend my sincere thanks to everyone in our partnership network. With the guidance of our parent company, Hatton National Bank, and the continued support of our partner banks, financial institutions, and broker network, we are confident of reaching even greater achievements in the years ahead.’

As Sri Lanka commemorates International Day of Older Persons on October 1st, the nation echoes on the immeasurable contributions of senior citizens, among them parents, teachers and all other professionals, workers, and community leaders who have devoted their lives to building the country’s foundations. Providing for their wellbeing is no longer a responsibility, but a moral duty and a national priority.

However, as many are entering their golden years’ they face increasing health challenges. The government has introduced important provisions to support senior citizens, but more needs to be done to strengthen their healthcare and protection.

Sri Lanka Insurance Corporation General Ltd. (SLICGL), the trusted, government-owned insurer serving the nation for over six decades, has stepped forward with Medi 60, a pioneering medical insurance plan designed exclusively for senior citizens. The policy is intended for individuals between the ages of 60-70 and continues to provide protection, subject to health assessment, until the policyholder reaches 80 years of age.

Medi 60 recognizes turning 60 is not the end of an active life, but the beginning of a new chapter requiring specialized care tailored to the realities of aging. The plan offers three flexible policy options, providing additional coverage for both government and private hospitals. Importantly, the policy is issued with pre-existing medical conditions being excluded other than diabetes, cholesterol and hypertension, in addition to common health concerns without prior complications. The approach supports older adults that have too often been excluded from traditional insurance.

Especially for families with aging parents, Medi 60 brings peace of mind. Thousands of Sri Lankan children living and working abroad carry the worry of not being able to care for their parents back home. With Medi 60, they can be assured their loved ones have access to quality medical care, even in their absence.

The scheme also addresses one of the greatest fears of older age, unexpected medical emergencies. Covering both routine care and urgent treatments, Medi 60 turns what was once financial uncertainty into predictable, reliable protection.

Sri Lanka’s demographic shift toward an aging population presents both challenges and opportunities. The wisdom and experience of senior citizens are invaluable national assets, but their healthcare needs demand innovative solutions. Medi 60 is SLICGL’s response, as a social responsibility initiative making medical insurance accessible, affordable, and dignified for those who built the nation.

SLICGL recognizes senior citizens as deserving of protection and respect. The approach positions the company also as a partner in national development, one who understands that caring for elders strengthens society.

On this International Day of Older Persons, Medi 60 stands as a living tribute to Sri Lanka’s elders. It transforms respect into tangible protection, securing those who built the past can enjoy today and tomorrow with confidence, dignity, and security.

England Captain Harry Kane continued his incredible goalscoring run with two goals as Bayern Munich crushed Pafos in the Champions League.

Kane, 32, has now scored 102 goals in 105 games for the German giants following his £ 86.4 million move from Tottenham in August 2023.

He has 17 goals in nine club matches in 2025-26, including 11 in his past five appearances, as well as one goal for England in their 5-0 thrashing of Serbia this month.

Bayern, two points clear at the top of the Bundesliga, have now won all nine of their matches this season, scoring 35 goals in the

process, and have two victories from two in the Champions League.

Sri Lanka Tourism showcased ‘Destination Sri Lanka’ at the International and French Travel Market (IFTM) Top Resa 2025, held at Porte de Versailles in Paris from 23 to 25 September 2025. The spacious, well-designed Sri Lanka Pavilion, organised by Sri Lanka Tourism, was a key attraction at the fair, presenting the many facets of Sri Lanka along with Ceylon tea and traditional Sri Lankan dance and music.

Thirty (30) Sri Lankan travel and tourism companies took part in this year’s IFTM, including leaders in the French market such as Aitken Spence Travels, Jetwing Travels, Connaissance de Ceylan, Oak Ray Holdings, Thema Collection, Walkers Tours Ltd., and LSR Travels, among others. Several new companies, including Orinway Leisure Ltd., also joined the French travel fair for the first time.

The Sri Lanka Pavilion was formally inaugurated by the Ambassador of Sri Lanka to France and Permanent Delegate to UNESCO, Manisha Gunasekera, who graced the occasion as Chief Guest, together with Sri Lanka Tourism Promotion Bureau Director (Marketing) Dushan Wickramasuriya. Also present were Sri Lankan Airlines Regional Manager for Europe and the Americas, Chinthaka Weerasinghe, industry leaders, and representatives including senior members of the Sri Lanka Association of Inbound Tour Operators and the Association of Small and Medium Enterprises. The ceremony was followed by the serving of Sri Lankan delicacies and Ceylon tea.

In her remarks, the Ambassador underlined the pivotal role of the travel and tourism industry in driving Sri Lanka’s economic growth and development. She commended the Sri Lanka Tourism Promotion Bureau for showcasing the country at IFTM with a state-of-the-art pavilion, and congratulated industry leaders for their enduring commitment to promoting Destination Sri Lanka in France.

Sri Lanka Tourism Director (Promotion) warmly welcomed the French travel industry to the Pavilion, emphasising the resilience, dynamism, and upward trajectory of Sri Lanka’s tourism sector and its strong potential. He also referred to several major promotional campaigns in the pipeline aimed at further consolidating France as a top target market for Sri Lanka.

On 23 September, the Embassy of Sri Lanka hosted a networking dinner reception at its premises for Sri Lankan travel and tourism representatives. Distinguished French participants at the reception included MEDEF President of the Sri Lanka-France Business Council Eric Le Corre, and Guayapi Lanka Founder Claudie Ravel.

France is Sri Lanka’s sixth largest source market and the second largest within the European Union. From January to August 2025, 83,011 French tourists visited Sri Lanka, reflecting a 23.3% increase compared with the same period last year. This positive trend is expected to continue.

IFTM Top Resa is the foremost and most prestigious travel and tourism exposition in France, showcasing over 170 destinations and bringing together nearly 30,000 industry professionals from the travel and leisure sector annually in Paris. Sri Lanka’s participation in IFTM 2025 was facilitated by the Sri Lanka Tourism Promotion Bureau in partnership with the Embassy of Sri Lanka in France. The Embassy Commercial Secretary Prasadi Boomawalage, and Sri Lanka Tourism Promotion Bureau Assistant Director, Viranga Bandara were also associated with the event.

SLIM Brand Excellence has received the highest number of entries in its history as the judging process formally gets underway.

SLIM said the record-breaking response underscores rising industry confidence and participation. This year’s competition includes an international judging component, bringing global expertise and elevated benchmarks to the evaluation process. The jury brief took place on 22 September, initiating a rigorous, multi-stage assessment designed to reward strategic clarity, creative strength, and measurable market impact. With enhanced oversight and transparent criteria, SLIM Brand Excellence continues to raise the bar for credibility and standards across the marketing and business community.

The momentum around this year’s cycle affirms SLIM Brand Excellence’s role as a catalyst for professional development and industry progress. Entrants represent a broad cross-section of sectors and disciplines, reinforcing the program’s relevance to brands at different stages of growth. As judging commences, participants can expect a clear, timely process overseen by an experienced jury panel with deep regional and international exposure.

Building on this success, SLIM Brand Excellence will continue to strengthen its framework and partnerships to align with international best practice, ensuring the platform remains contemporary, inclusive, and forward-looking. Details on category evaluations, shortlists, and subsequent milestones will be shared in due course through official SLIM channels.

World Children’s Day is celebrated in Sri Lanka on October 1st annually. This year the theme for World Children’s Day is ‘Nurture with Love – To Lead the World’.

The week leading up to Children’s Day has also been declared as the National Children’s Week. It will take place from 25th September to 1st October. Several programmes and initiatives will take place during this time.

Interestingly the date for World’s Children’s Day changes according to region and country. It was first proclaimed during the World Conference of Child Welfare in 1925 and since 1950 is celebrated by several countries on June 1st. Several other countries began celebrating it on November 20th to commemorate the issuance of the Declaration of the Rights of the Child by the UN General Assembly.

While here in Sri Lanka we celebrate it on October 1st each year, the day is a great reminder that children are often overlooked and are among the more vulnerable in our society. Giving them a space to grow in security and freedom, looking after their interests and making sure that their rights are protected, is a sign of a healthy and thriving country and people. Most importantly helping them grow in their creativity too, gives children the opportunity to discover their potential and what they would like to be when they grow up.

While conventional education is and always will be a strong foundation for our children, we must not forget that every child cannot fill the formulaic mold. As parents and teachers, giving room for a child’s imagination and encouraging them with what they are good at, can help nurture them to become good leaders and grow to bring true change in the world around them.

In the Junior Mirror, which is the children’s section of the Daily Mirror, you will find a space for your kids to discover creativity and grow their imagination. So get your children to read, to write, to draw and paint, encourage them to do more activities that they love, to nurture a future in which they will find contentment, joy and peace.

A new three-storey ward complex costing Rs. 1 billion has been opened at the Dharga Town District Hospital, with Health and Media Minister Dr. Nalinda Jayatissa attending the ceremony.

The project is part of a Chinese-funded initiative to upgrade 13 hospitals across the country.

The 38,400-square-foot facility includes a 96-bed maternal and paediatric ward, a four-bed ICU, general wards, and an outpatient department. The Health Ministry has set aside an additional Rs. 50 million to procure essential medical equipment.

According to Dr. Jayatissa, the facility addresses a longstanding requirement in the area and will help reduce pressure on the Kalutara and Beruwala hospitals. Staffing will be expanded gradually, with more doctors, nurses, and support personnel to be deployed.

The hospital, managed by the National Institute of Health Sciences, is expected to significantly improve access to healthcare in the Kalutara District.

As populations around the world grow older, the question of how we care for our senior citizens becomes increasingly important. World Elders’ Day serves as a powerful reminder that ageing is a natural phase of life that should be met with dignity, empathy and meaningful support. One of the most impactful ways to protect and uplift the elderly is by strengthening family-based care and community support systems. Together, these two pillars can ensure that elders live not just longer lives, but happier, safer and more fulfilling ones.

The Changing Reality of Elder Care

Traditionally, elders were cared for within extended family households. Grandparents played active roles in raising children, guiding families and preserving cultural values. However, modern lifestyles have transformed these structures. Urban migration, overseas employment, nuclear families and busy work routines have left many elders without consistent support. Even when families are willing, time constraints and financial pressures can make caregiving a challenge.

Yet, elders continue to contribute to families and communities in countless ways-through wisdom, childcare, life experience and emotional guidance. Strengthening family-based care is not only a moral obligation, but an act of gratitude and respect.

Family-Based Care: A Lifeline of Love and Security

Family care provides emotional stability that institutional care often cannot match. For many elders, familiarity, routine and affection are essential for mental and physical wellbeing. However, caregiving must be shared, not assigned to one individual alone.

Families can strengthen elder care through:

Shared responsibility: Siblings and relatives can divide roles such as financial support, hospital visits, meal planning or companionship.

Flexible arrangements: Adult children living abroad can stay closely involved through regular calls, digital check-ins or financial assistance.

Home adjustments: Simple changes like ramps, railings, non-slip mats and accessible bathrooms help elders remain independent and safe.

Respectful communication: Including elders in decisions about their own care helps them retain dignity and autonomy.

Caregiving should not be seen as a burden, but as an extension of the affection and sacrifice elders once gave.

Emotional Support: The Heart of Family Care

Elders often face loneliness, especially after retirement, the loss of a spouse or when children move away. A supportive family can prevent emotional decline by offering companionship, regular conversations and involvement in family life. Asking elders for advice, listening to their stories or including them in celebrations strengthens their sense of belonging.

Younger generations also benefit from these interactions. Children who spend time with grandparents learn kindness, cultural heritage and respect for ageing.

When Families Need Help: The Role of Communities

Not all families have the resources, time or capacity to provide complete care. This is where community-based support systems become vital.

Community involvement can take many forms:

Elder day-care centres that offer social engagement, activities and meals.

Religious and cultural organisations that coordinate visits, check-ins and festive gatherings.

Volunteer networks that assist with groceries, medical visits or companionship.

Local health clinics that provide free or subsidized check-ups, medicine and screenings.

Senior clubs and activity groups that keep elders mentally and socially active.

These initiatives reduce isolation, promote independence and give families peace of mind.

Government and Policy Support

Strong policies are essential to combine family and community care effectively. Governments can support elder wellbeing by:

Offering financial assistance, pensions or subsidies for low-income seniors.

Providing training and respite services for caregivers to reduce burnout.

Establishing home nursing and mobile medical teams for immobile or rural elders.

Supporting emergency hotlines and legal protections against abuse and neglect.

Encouraging public-private partnerships to build senior-friendly community facilities.

By investing in eldercare infrastructure, governments reduce hospital costs and enhance community strength.

The Role of Technology in Supporting Care

Technology is often viewed as intimidating to the elderly, but with proper guidance, it can greatly improve their quality of life. Families and communities can help elders use:

Video calls to stay in touch with distant relatives.

Telemedicine platforms for medical consultations without travel.

Emergency alert devices for safety.

Messaging apps for staying socially connected.

Digital tools can complement, not replace, personal care.

Respect and Dignity: Non-Negotiable Values

Strengthening elder care is not only about physical assistance, but about preserving dignity. Elders should not feel like burdens or afterthoughts. They deserve:

Autonomy in daily decisions.

The right to express preferences.

Freedom from neglect or abuse.

Recognition for their contributions and experiences.

Showing appreciation, patience and empathy fosters mutual respect and strengthens family bonds.

Building a Compassionate Society

A society that looks after its elders reflects its core values. When communities, families and institutions work together, elders are empowered to live with confidence and purpose. Caring for them also strengthens social fabric, reinforces intergenerational understanding and inspires younger generations to follow the same example in the future.

A Shared Responsibility

Family-based care and community support are not separate approaches-they are interconnected. When families take the lead and communities offer support, elder care becomes sustainable and dignified. No elderly person should feel abandoned, invisible or unheard.

On this World Elders’ Day, let us renew our commitment to those who once supported and nurtured us. By strengthening home care, building community networks and upholding compassion, we can create a world where elders age with love, security and purpose.

Ageing is not the end of usefulness-it is the continuation of humanity’s wisdom. Our duty is to ensure our elders walk their final chapters surrounded by care, respect and dignity.