Moral development vital for lasting peace

by Ananda KANNANGARA

The development of moral values among schoolchildren must be strengthened by teachers as well as by parents, Education Minister Bandula Gunawardana said.

Referring to a few incidents that took place in certain schools recently, Minister Gunawardana said in addition to normal educational activities, schoolchildren must also get involved in religious, cultural and social activities, so that they have no time to be involved in lowly activities.

The Minister told the Sunday Observer that it was only through the values and morals instilled among children at school and home that we could expect a lasting and durable peace among all communities.

The Education Minister said some children lack moral values due to social changes, non-respect of their own religions and even their own culture.

"Indulging in group activities help children mould their character and lifestyle; they learn to live with outsiders in unity and settle matters amicably," he said.

Minister Gunawardana called upon all 4.2 million schoolchildren and other youngsters who would be the leaders of tomorrow to live in unity without considering each others' caste, creed or religion.

He also highlighted the importance of developing the education of children. He mentioned a new subject, Life Competency, to be introduced to the school curriculum and said that the objective of introducing this subject is to improve the moral values of children.