Local News Update: Minister of Finance, Economic and Policy Planning, Buddha Sasana, Cultural & Religious Affairs, Urban Development, Water Supply and Housing, Mahinda Rajapaksa announced yesterday in Kandy that a trilingual school will be set up in each district. He pointed out that this would satisfy the desperate need to learn languages.
The Prime Minister spoke to a meeting yesterday in Katugastota, Kandy, to mark the opening of Sri Palipana Chandrananda Bauddha Balika Vidyalaya. The Premier also pointed out that issues over the use of language will be avoided with the introduction of trilingual schools. He said that to create a disciplined society, an education system that developed knowledge and values should be implemented. Most of today’s school-leaving children is rich in knowledge but low in moral values. This has brought no benefits to society.
Prime Minister Rajapaksa noted that education was linked to the village temple in this country in the ancient past. With the introduction of colonial rule, this system changed. Education was subsequently distanced from the temple. The Prime Minister said that two 40-minute cycles for religious education in schools were allocated weekly today. To create a just society, more time should be devoted to teaching religious norms and values to students in schools. The establishment of schools such as the Sri Palipana Chandananda Balika Vidyalaya would help rescue children from the current system of educating children for the sole purpose of making money.
The Prime Minister said that when they reached higher grades, the love shown by parents for children during their primary schooling waned. Sometimes this caused some kids to go astray when they came of age. Therefore, throughout their school career, parents should take more interest and care in their children to ensure that they acquire both knowledge and social values.
