Supa Sevana displays young talent:

Life skills ensure better future

Ruwini Jayawardana

Training children in life skills prepares them for a better future, Education Minister Bandula Gunawardana said.

Gunawardana was speaking at the opening ceremony of the Supa Sevana, a National Home Science competition and exhibition at the BMICH yesterday.

He said, “Economic upheaval is a result of developing knowledge from a young age. Past education systems provided children with the ability to stand on their feet but they were not given an opportunity to explore their creative skills.

This is one of the reasons why they took to violence. After three decades of terrorism we are looking towards a new Sri Lanka. Children should be armed with skills and knowledge to face the world. This competition trains them in home management and economization”.

First Lady Shiranthi Rajapaksa was the Chief Guest at the event and witnessed children engaged in gastronomic ventures.

The event was held for the first time to encourage and bring gastronomic skills of schoolchildren to light.

“Chinese cuisine is known around the world. Countries like Thailand, Singapore and Korea introduce items like the Aloe Vera drink and items made out of Amberella, Veralu, Gotu Kola and Carambola. We have an abundance of ingredients but we go after imported products,” Gunawardana said adding that youths should be encouraged into experimenting and making new discoveries.

Aspects like food preservation, creative dishes, a balanced meal, national and international cuisine were highlighted at Supa Sevana. Students islandwide including those from the North and East and the South took part in the event. It was organized by the Education Ministry. The prize-giving will be held today.