Prime Minister Dr. Harini Amarasuriya emphasized that a school should not merely be a place where children receive knowledge, but also the safest, secured, and loving environment for every child.
The Prime Minister made these remarks today (05) while attending as the Chief Guest at the ceremony to hand over a newly constructed three-storey classroom building and auditorium with modern facilities to the students of Samodaya Vidyalaya in Kurunegala.
Addressing the gathering, the Prime Minister stated:
From the very moment we arrived at this school, we were able to witness the talents of these children. In the future, the people of our country will be fortunate to witness their achievements. The Government’s education policy is to provide children with the best. Education is not fulfilled merely by providing buildings; the content and quality of education must also be of the highest standard. Since children spend most of their time outside their homes at school, it is essential that the school environment is filled with care, compassion, and affection.
The Prime Minister also commended the completion of the construction project within a short period of seven months at a cost of Rs. 41 million and for making the facilities available for the students’ use. Marking the occasion, she also planted a Na sapling within the school premises.
Addressing the event, the Principal of Samodaya Vidyalaya noted that due to the ditoriated condition of the school’s old building, classes had previously been conducted at a nearby temple. He described the new classroom building and auditorium as a significant achievement for the students.
The occasion was attended by the Venerable Kithulgolle Gnanarathana Thero; Deputy Minister of Agriculture and Livestock Namal Karunaratne; Members of Parliament M.K.S. Aslam, Ashoka Gunasekara, and Attorney-at-Law Sarath Karunayake; the North Western Province Secretary of Education; the Kurunegala District Secretary; Divisional Secretaries; the Provincial Director of Education; other government officials; local government representatives; school principals from the area; and a large gathering of invitees.
