SriLanka, Oct. 1 -- President Anura Kumara Dissanayake said every child should have equal and fair opportunities to realise their potential, pursue their dreams and shape the future they wish for themselves, irrespective of their background.

In his World Children's Day message issued for today (October 1), the President said children were the most valuable asset of a nation and that ensuring their physical and mental well-being and creating an environment conducive to their proper development were among the primary responsibilities of any government.

He said the country being built for children should not merely be one prepared to be handed over to them in the future, but one that gives space to their dreams today, listens to their voic...