Watch quality programs to improve knowledge - Education Minister

by Ananda Kannangara

Education Minister Bandula Gunawardane said children should refrain from watching unsuitable television programs that could tarnish their minds and called upon the 4.3 million schoolchildren in the country to watch socially and educationally valuable programs as such programs will benefit them in moulding their characters.

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

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

The Minister said today’s schoolchildren are highly educated and cultured. Therefore, they would know how to select quality television programs that will help improve their knowledge.

Minister Gunawardane requested officials of television stations to help schoolchildren by telecasting more educationally valuable programs during the prime time between 7.00 p.m. and 9.00 p.m.

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

The Minister also requested officials to commence distant learning programs such as English and Information Technology which help school leavers to find employment and broaden their knowledge. He said even in foreign countries, television channels allocate more time to screen educationally valued programs during the prime time, to enable schoolchildren to learn more.