President at World Children’s Day ceremony:

‘United, free country for the children’

The government has bequeathed the most valuable gift to the child population by building a free country where they can pursue their education without fear or suspicion in any part of it, said President Mahinda Rajapaksa, when he addressed a ceremony to mark Universal Children's Day at Bope Rajasinghe Vidyalaya in Padukka yesterday.

The President said the government will similarly provide a developed country for them and the parents and teachers too should assist this endeavour by acting in a responsible manner.

The President said, ‘on this Universal Children's Day we have preserved a united and free country for the children of our land. There was a dark period in history where a child could not attend school without fear or suspicion. It was a time when parents waited inpatiently until their children returned safely after school. We have been able to end such a fearful era and create an environment where children can attend school without any fear or suspicion. I presume that this is the greatest service we have rendered towards children and I highly value it.”

The President said: “This school Bope Rajasinghe Vidyalaya is an old school with a 147 year history surrounded by prestigious schools such as Horana Takshila Vidyalaya and Hanwella Rajakeeya Vidyalaya. Today, we are launching a programme to provide 409 schools countrywide with laboratories.

“We are committed to provide all facilities needed by children to pursue their education. Children are our greatest asset.

‘The prime desire of parents is ensure a bright future for their children. When a child sits an examination it is the parents rather than the student himself who eagerly awaits its results. Those who take the greatest pride over the success of children are the parents. But I believe that the care taken and the love extended by parents towards children in their young age tend to diminish as they grow up in age.

“I have seen certain parents missing out and lacking interest to witness the achievements made by their children at a prize giving or a sports meet.

Therefore I would request all parents to take an interest and care for their children as they reach higher classes in school because it is their responsibility to do so,” the President said.

The President also opened a new laboratory and three storeyed school building costing Rs 35 million at the school premises under the programme to develop 1,000 secondary schools.

The President also inspected the non-formal education unit functioning in the school premises.

The book “Thun Iri Appu Saha Kadju Puhulama” authored by Miss Sakya Oshadee Dissanayake, a Grade 2 student of Padukka Arukwatta, Padmaperuma Kanishta Vidyalaya was also launched on this day. The first copy of the book was presented to the President.

Senior Minister Ratnasiri Wickremanayake, Ministers Bandula Gunawardane and Dinesh Gunawardane, Deputy Minister Geethanjana Gunawardane, Western Province Chief Minister Prasanna Ranatunge and Principal Gamini Hettiarachchi were also present.