Education Minister tells students: Make better use of TV

by Ananda Kannangara

Education Minister Bandula Gunawardana called upon the 4.2 million schoolchildren in the country to use the television in a meaningful manner by watching only high quality social and educationally valued programs.

The Minister made these remarks at a school function attended by teachers, parents and children.

He said the television has become a common household item today and the younger generation could get the maximum use from it.

The Minister also referred to a recent speech made by President Mahinda Rajapaksa on the use of television by schoolchildren and said that children must know how to select programs that will help improve their knowledge.

Minister Gunawardana also requested the owners and operators of television stations to help schoolchildren by telecasting quality, educational programs during the prime time between 7.00 and 9.00 pm without thinking only of commercially valued programs.

He also urged parents and teachers not to allow children to watch low quality television programs which tarnish their minds.

The Minister also requested TV officials to commence distant learning programs for subjects such as English and Information Technology which help school leavers find employment and broaden their knowledge.

He said even in other countries, some television channels have allocated more time to screen educational programs during the prime time to enable schoolchildren to learn more.

“Such programs will keep children away from suitable programs,” the Minister said.