Duty of children is to secure freedom gained - Namal

Kathya de Silva

The entire political system can be affected due to the negative image of a few political figures, said Hambantota District Parliamentarian Namal Rajapaksa.

He said so addressing the gathering after pinning official badges on new Student Parliamentarians of Visakha Vidyalaya, Colombo Student Parliament at the school premises yesterday. Certificates were also distributed to student ministers and parliamentarians of past years.

"Some politicians are viewed with disdain in the political sphere," MP Rajapaksa said adding, "the objective of the school's Parliament should be to create true and honourable politicians urgently needed for the country from the school level itself."

MP Rajapaksa said the aim of President Mahinda Rajapaksa is the socio- economic development of the country which is free of terrorism while distribute development dividends throughout the country equally without limiting to Colombo as seen in the past.

He said the government has taken steps to create an environment for the younger generation to face the challenges of the modern world. "Children of an era such as this are fortunate and it is their duty to secure the freedom gained," he said. "The country is being developed. However, development is not meaningful if there is no progress in moral and educational development," MP Rajapaksa said.

He said a society should be created where children respect their elders. He said children should engage in extra- curricular activities without being limited to books. He added that all these are needed in the task of developing the country.

MP Rajapaksa said politics is a deep and meaningful subject and stressed that more women should enter politics.

He said, criticism is leveled against women politicians and an attitudinal change is needed to address this situation.

"Duties to be carried out by these children are immense," he added.

Visakha Vidyalaya Principal Sandamali Aviruppola said the School Parliament was set up in 2010 and has now taken the lead among schools in Colombo.

She said the aim of the Student Parliament is to develop leadership skills and provide knowledge of the country's Constitution and administrative system.

"This is a very important and exemplary project of our school. It is carried out alongside educational activities," she said.

The newly elected student Parliamentarians took oaths at the ceremony. Parliamentarian Namal Rajapaksa was also presented a memento. Visakha Vidyalaya Vice Principals Kalani Suriyapperuma and Sandamali Perera also participated.