‘Foreigners who worked for SL’s uplift must be remembered’

Chaminda PERERA

President Mahinda Rajapaksa said yesterday that foreign nationals who admired and served the country will be considered as fellow Sri Lankans.

The President said a large number of foreign nationals who came from many parts of the world, worked for the development of education, Buddhism and health services in the country and they should always be remembered for their services to the country.

He said that a number of great personalities like Tibetan monk S Mahinda, Henry Steele Olcott, Marie Musaeus Higgins and Dr Arthur C Clarke rendered yeoman service in the fields of social and educational development.

He was speaking at the opening of the Peter de Abrew Memorial complex of Musaeus College, Colombo yesterday. This building complex which was opened to coincide with the 120th anniversary celebrations of the college, has the most modern auditorium, gymnasium and a swimming pool.

President Rajapaksa said that Musaeus Higgins who came from Germany, dedicated her time to uplift education of the country, protecting the cultural and religious values of Sri Lanka. The President stressed on the importance of a balanced mind to reap the fruits of education. He said that students should not be book worms and they should pay equal attention to extra curricular activities, such as, sports and aesthetic activities.

President Mahinda Rajapaksa also said that the country needed a generation who truly love the country.

He requested parents to direct their children towards extra curricular activities, such as, sports, arts and music.

He stressed the importance of developing good taste in arts and music.

Education Minister Bandula Gunawardena, chairman Board of Trustees of the College Ajita de Zoysa and Principal S Dandeniya were present.