Education should mould a patriotic citizen - President

Rasika Somarathna in Dickwella

*Parents should not make their children book worms but inculcate in them a broader vision

*Government’s efforts to provide equal opportunities in education have paid rich dividends

President Mahinda Rajapaksa yesterday observed that the strenuous efforts undertaken by the present regime in every sphere were directed at creating a disciplined and cultured generation which could build a united and prosperous future.

“If we cannot achieve this objective and create a country in which all could live in harmony, our efforts at defeating terrorism and developing the country would be in vain,” the President added.

“In this endeavour education could be the corner stone in moulding an erudite and patriotic citizen,” he said.

The President made these observations addressing past and present students, parents and teachers of Dickwella Vijitha Central College at a function which immediately followed the ceremonial opening of a new sports complex and laying of the foundation stone for a swimming pool complex.

President Rajapaksa also inspected work connected with the upgrading of existing facilities at the school including new additions which are carried out costing nearly Rs.200 million.

The President noted that the aim of education should be to develop a balanced personality in a pluralistic society.

“He should also be equipped with not only knowledge but also high moral values,” he added.

“Parents should acknowledge the role played by extracurricular activities in moulding the personality of students. Parents should not make their children book worms but inculcate in them a broader vision.

In this regard, the Government’s efforts to provide equal opportunities in education based on the vision of the Mahinda Chinthana have paid rich dividends,” the President said. “Today the top performers at the recent year 05 scholarship examinations have emerged from the deep South and the North,” he added. The new additions to Vijitha Central College, costing nearly Rs. 200 million was partly funded by the Singaporean Government. Sports and Education Ministries and the school’s Past Pupils Association were the other main contributors.

Ministers Dullas Alahapperuma, Gamini Lokuge, Susil Premajayanth, Prof G.L. Peiris and Mahinda Amaraweera also participated.