Important to consider ideas of intellectuals in taking country forward – President

Many areas in country are in decline due to some stubborn political decisions taken during the past, without giving consideration to the ideas of scholars and intellectuals, according to President Maithripala Sirisena.

In taking forward a country it is important to take into account the ideas of scholars and intellectuals of that country, he added.

He made these remarks at a ceremony to launch the book ’One A Gathering of Unities’ by Minister Patali Champika Ranawaka held on Friday at the BMICH.

The book contains photographs taken by Minister Ranawaka during his travels throughout the country over the past ten years.

The President stated that the knowledge and experience of intellectuals such as Champika Ranawaka, who has comprehensive knowledge in a variety of fields as well as understanding the society and the world, is very important to take the country forward.

President Sirisena also admired Minister Ranawaka’s assistance extended to him during the last Presidential Election to make the transformation required by the country and help it move towards a new era.

The President further stated that the aspiration of the current government was to be concerned about the ideas and suggestions of the scholars and intellectuals in taking the country forward.

Minister Karu Jayasuriya and Prof. Carlo Fonseka were also present at the event.