President tells parents:

Don't isolate teens

Rasika SOMARATHNA in Matugama

President Mahinda Rajapaksa yesterday told parents not to isolate their teens, but to take care of them with the same attentiveness which they displayed when they were in their formative years.

He said that there was a tendency for parents to relax their attention towards their children when they reach adolescence. President Rajapaksa urged parents not to isolate teenagers but provide the same attentiveness they had for their siblings in their early stages.

The President noted this at a function in Matugama where he distributed educational supplies among newly admitted schoolchildren to Grade 01 in the Kalutara district.

The event was organized by Transport Minister Kumara Welgama. The supplies to over 20,000 children admitted to Grade 01 in the district this year, was distributed using Welgama's personal funds.

President Rajapaksa addressing parents who accompanied their children, told them that the best way they could show their child's worth in their own eyes was by valuing their thoughts, ideas, skills and achievements.

He said that as a busy father he was always prepared to allocate enough time for his children.

He urged parents to be attentive to children's well-being, be affectionate, caring and have time for them.

He told them that it was of vital importance for parents to allocate time to witness their children's achievements and appreciate and encourage them.

The President said that if parents pay close attention to their children both in their needs and achievements, it could go a long way in guiding them in the correct path.

The President also paid tribute to Minister Welgama and his family and said that their deeds were an example to others.