Special attention should be paid towards children - President

COLOMBO: Since the country's future depended on the child generation special attention should be paid towards them in building the nation, said President Mahinda Rajapaksa.

The President expressed these sentiments when he inaugurated a sale of flags to mark Universal Children's Day at a ceremony at Temple Trees yesterday.

Two children from the Paraththa National Training Advisory Centre pinned the first flag to mark Universal Children's Day on the President's lapel.

The President noted that greater attention should be paid towards imparting a Dhamma knowledge to children. "Providing a child with subject knowledge is insufficient. We can produce a child who loves his Motherland if we go beyond it and guide him towards Daham Pasala education as well," the President said.

The President who explained the benefits of Dhamma education at length also emphasised the need to encourage Daham pasala teachers and students and the implementation of development projects for the welfare of the child generation.

A copy of a souvenir to mark Universal Children's Day published by the Child Development and Women's Empowerment Ministry was also presented to the President.

Child Development and Women's Empowerment Minister Sumedha G. Jayasena, Export Development and International Trade Minister Prof. G. L. Peiris and Child Protection Authority Chairman Jagath Wellawatta were also present.

A Presidential Media Unit release said proceeds from the sale of flags launched annually to mark Universal Children's Day are credited to the Child Protection Fund which implemented various projects to improve the education activities of children of low income families.