'Education system needs reforms'

It is necessary to reform the existing education system since today's educational needs are broad, varied and complex, said Education Minister Bandula Gunawardana.

He was speaking as chief guest at the launching of the book Nihanda Mehewara (Silent Mission) memoirs of K Piyasena Perera, the first director of Special Education and later consultant of the same discipline of the Education Ministry.

The book launching was held at the National Library and Documentation Service Auditorium, Colombo 7.

Minister Gunawardana said that special education will be given a pride of place.

Edwin Ariyadasa said that the readership will celebrate the book Nihanda Mehewara as a pioneer work in special education where the author had dedicated his entire career to uplift the course of differently able children which resulted Sri Lanka being awarded several international medals in recognition of Perera's programmes in special education.

President's Counsellor Dr Jayatissa de Silva said that he was a student of Piyasena Perera and he learnt Sinhala and Sinhala literature from him.