Academics essential for development: President Sirisena

When the number of academics in a country increases, answers to a range of issues in the economic, social and political areas could be found easily, President Maithripala Sirisena said yesterday highlighting the importance of education. 

The Government has commenced a massive transformation in the education sector to educate the future generation, he said, addressing the Annual Prize Giving Ceremony of the Anuradhapura Swarnapali Balika Vidyalaya.

The President further said that civilisation and discipline in man are produced through education. The President also emphasised that the Government is committed to providing every possible facility for the education sector.

The 142-year long journey of the Anuradhapura Swarnapali Balika Vidyalaya, with a long history commencing in 1876, was also appreciated by the President.

The students warmly received the President when he arrived at the school. 

President Sirisena presented certificates and prizes to the students who showed outstanding performances at the school.  

During this event, a special memento was presented to the President. 

Ministers Duminda Dissanayake, Chandrani Bandara, Governor of the North Central Province M.P. Jayasingha, the staff of the school, including Principal Ramani Wasala, parents, past pupils and others participated in this occasion. 

President  also opened the newly built three-storey building at the Deepani Maha Vidyalaya in Anuradhapura and spent time interacting with the students.

The Anuradhapura Deepani Maha Vidyalya, which was built centred on an ancient temple in the area in 1954, became a government school on 2 September 1957. Around 1000 students are being educated in this college, which conducts classes in the Sinhala, English and Tamil mediums. 

Meanwhile, the Dana Shala and the student centre building, built in the Bhiksu University in Anuradhapura, was also opened yesterday by President Maithripala Sirisena.

These developments were made under a plan to complete the Bhiksu University in Anuradhapura as an international Buddhist university, with a budget of Rs. 213 million. 

Supreme Mahanyaka of Sri Lanka Amarapura Nikaya Kotugoda Dhammawasa Thero chaired the occasion where the Acting Vice Chancellor of Bhiksu University in Anuradhapura Ven. Prof. Kanaththegoda Sadhdharathana and the Mahasangha were present at the event.

A book written by Buddhist and Pali Bhiksu University in Anuradhapura Head Prof. Pathegama Gnanissara Thero was also presented to the President.