All must learn Sinhala and Tamil - Minister Karaliyadde

by L. S. Ananda WEDAARACHCHI

Every Sri Lankan should learn both Sinhala and Tamil said, Child Development and Women's Affairs Minister, Tissa Karaliyadde addressing a three day Children's Camp held at St. Xavier's College, Mannar recently.

He said that the Child Development and Women's Affairs Ministry works on a plan to solve the issues relating to children and women in the country. A large number of children belonging to the Sinhala, Tamil and Muslim communities from various parts of the country attended the camp. The Minister said that the inter-communal harmony among the communities should be developed from childhood.

"Denuwera Kala Mangallaya" organised by the Probation and Childcare Services Department in collaboration with the National Children's Council is the stepping stone in that direction he said.

The Minister said an year ago soldiers from the South fought in the North, while bombs were transported to the South from the North. That situation has completely changed today. The 30 year long conflict unleashed destruction and chaos.

The Minister said children who participated at the camp were unaware of the strong bond which existed between the Sinhala and the Tamil community for years.

The camp has become the springboard to recultivate inter communal harmony.