Programs to strengthen unity among students

by Ananda Kannangara

Education Minister Bandula Gunawardane last week called upon parents, teachers and students not to categorise schools as Sinhala, Tamil, Hindu and Muslim vidyalas, as all students in these schools are children of Mother Lanka.

The Minister was addressing a gathering attended by parents, teachers and schoolchildren.

Minister Gunawardane reminded the audience about the bygone era when children in Southern and Northern schools were unable to meet each other. "The gloomy period has already passed due to the sacrifices made by our Armed Forces and their tireless efforts brought the whole nation under one roof", the Minister said.

He said this situation also paved the way for children in the North and South to meet each other.

He said he has planned school-based programs such as cultural and religious events, sports activities and many other functions with the participation of children in the South and North, since it will help enhance rapport among children in all parts of the country.

The Education Minister elaborated on the recently established "Youth Parliament' and said that this novel concept will pave the way for Northern and Southern children to work together for the betterment of the country.

He was happy to see the appointment of the Youth Parliament Deputy Prime Minister K. Kavithra from a school in the North and Prime Minister Shihan Jayasinghe from a Southern school.