'Parents need life skills to nurture next generation'

Nadira GUNATILLEKE

Parents need to learn life skills to equip the next generation with required life skills. Adolescents represent around 23 percent of the population of Sri Lanka. They are prone to dangers, such as, dangerous drugs, alcohol, problems caused by the Internet, exploitations and suicidal intentions, Health Deputy Minister Lalith Dissanayake said.

"Every year around 300,000 enter grade one in schools but only 25,000 of them enter state universities.

Others need to develop life skills to lead a successful life when they become adults. The media should develop effective communication to convey the right message to the public.

"There is a weakness in personality building in youths. Lack of communication among health staff cause various problems. Adults should help the younger generation to develop life skills, the deputy minister said.