'Govt target is to produce skilled global citizens'

Priyanka KURUGALA

Building global citizens with many skills is one of the main targets of the government. English language skills, information technology and culture are the major factors to carry the national identity to the world. To achieve these targets, it is important to provide a sound education in these areas, said Education Minister Bandula Gunawardana.

The minister was addressing the Pranama Sarani-2011 teachers felicitation ceremony at the Janakala Centre recently.

The ceremony was organized to felicitate aesthetic teachers who had contributed at the Inter-Schools All Ceylon Dancing Competition in 2011 held at the Horana Education Division recently. Winners of the competition were also felicitated.

Subjects such as aesthetics will help much to build the country's good image, he said, adding such subjects cannot be promoted within a limited time period without extra classes. Teachers have a major role in identifying talents and improving those skills, he said.

Many programmes are being implemented to improve children's abilities. Languages, mathematics, science, information technology, aesthetics and sports are some of the main subjects which can build good citizens, he pointed out.

Cultural Affairs Minister T B Ekanayake also spoke.

Western Province Horana Educational Division Madurawala Maha Vidyalaya, Remuna Maha Vidyalaya, Nalanda University Faculty, Kalutara District Thakshila Central College were among the 20 schools which received awards.