Subject knowledge not sufficient - President

Rasika SOMARATHNA

President Mahinda Rajapaksa yesterday said that skills, correct attitudes and extracurricular activities were as important as subject knowledge in the School education curriculum, in moulding responsible and erudite citizens.

He noted that subject knowledge alone would not suffice in moulding a citizen with correct attitudes and skills.

The Government's education plans would be initiated with the above in mind, he added.

The President said so addressing a gathering of teachers and students of Bandaranaike Vidyalaya, Gampaha following the opening of the new swimming pool complex of the school.

The President said that the Government was responsible for providing the system with infrastructure facilities, teachers and the supply of textbooks and equipment to facilitate the process of education. But other qualities such as teaching students the correct virtues, commitment, dedication, courage etc should come from within the system, he added.

He noted that schools should inculcate in students virtues such as respect for their country. Students should have pride in their motherland. They should be taught to respect their peers, keep the environment clean, respect religion and language, the value of good morale habits etc. They should also possess courage and commitment and a positive thinking of 'Yes I can' traits.

The President pointed out that the newly opened swimming pool complex stood as testimony to the courage and dedication displayed by the School Principal, the Old Boys Association, teachers, students and their parents.

He told the students that Sri Lanka had applied to host the 2018 Commonwealth Games and to work for a gold medal prospect in the swimming events by using the modern facilities available to them.

An Old Boy of the school, Silumina Editor Karunadasa Sooriyarachchi highlighted the efforts that supplemented the building of a new swimming pool complex.

He said that the School had started the Rs 35 million project with a mere Rs 250,000 in hand.

He told the gathering that the unwavering commitment and courage displayed by Ven. Labuthale Sudassana Thera, old boys, teachers and parents had made the dream a reality.

School Principal Ven Labuthale Sudassana Thera, Minister Bandula Gunawardene and Deputy Minister Pandu Bandaranaike also spoke.

Ministers Basil Rajapaksa, Susil Premajayantha, Felix Perera, Mervyn Silva, Chief Minister Prasanna Ranatunge, Namal Rajapaksa MP, Upeksha Swarnamali MP and Ruwan Ranatunge MP were present.