A School Should Provide Not Only Knowledge but Also Love and Safety for Every Child – Prime Minister

Prime Minister Harini Amarasuriya emphasized that schools should be more than places of learning, stating that every child deserves a safe, secure, and caring environment in addition to quality education.

She made these remarks while attending as the Chief Guest at the opening ceremony of a newly constructed three-storey classroom building and auditorium with modern facilities at Samodaya Vidyalaya in Kurunegala on Thursday (05).

Addressing the gathering, the Prime Minister highlighted the talents displayed by the students and expressed confidence that they would make significant contributions to the country in the future. She noted that the Government’s education policy is focused on providing children with the highest standards of education, emphasizing that quality education involves not only infrastructure development but also improvements in educational content and learning experiences.

She further stated that since children spend a large portion of their time at school, it is essential for schools to foster an atmosphere of care, compassion, and affection, ensuring the well-being of every student.

The Prime Minister also commended the successful completion of the project within seven months at a cost of Rs. 41 million and praised those involved for making the new facilities available to students in a short period. To mark the occasion, she planted a Na sapling on the school premises.

Speaking at the event, the school principal explained that classes had previously been conducted at a nearby temple due to the poor condition of the old school building. He described the new classroom complex and auditorium as a major achievement that would greatly benefit the students.

The ceremony was attended by Kithulgolle Gnanarathana Thero, Deputy Minister of Agriculture and Livestock Namal Karunaratne, Members of Parliament M.K.S. Aslam, Ashoka Gunasekara, and Sarath Karunayake, along with education officials, local government representatives, school principals, and a large number of invited guests.