President Mahinda Rajapaksa said communal harmony and unity are a must for the overall development of the country and moreover protecting the country’s good image. The President said we can stand only if we are united _ divided we fall.

He added that education is the major resource while knowledge is the main weapon. “The future of the country is with the younger generation especially with the students,” he said. The President was addressing a gathering at the Muslim Ladies College, Colombo, yesterday after declaring open the newly constructed four storied school building.

The building has been constructed with donations provided by Senior Minister AHM Fowzie and his family members. After reading from the Holy Quran, the President said ‘We Sri Lankans have to work with dedication, determination and devotion to reach the ultimate goals. “Muslim ladies can contribute in a major way for the betterment of the country. After liberating the country from the clutches of terrorism, all communities have come forward to serve the nation,” he said.

“The government took steps to uplift education to meet the present day requirements. The entire education system will be subject to change soon in order to meet the modern day requirements. Accordingly, the mother language, history and religion will be taught in every school, including private schools. School children should know the history of the country and their mother tongue as well. No one can get forget the history of the country, since it is part and parcel of society. Knowing history will help one face any challenge in a competitive environment,” the President added.

“A student should be a person of quality, equipped with a multitude of skills willing and able to help the country’s forward march. Schools pave the way for ethnic harmony and peace, while creating a better environment for mutual relationship among all ethnic groups. Everyone must love and respect his or her mother country, President Rajapaksa said.

President Rajapaksa said the friendly and brotherly bonds between students of all ethnic groups especially in schools, like at Muslim Ladies College, Colombo is an example to the country.

“Sinhala,Tamil and Muslim students engaged in learning and educational activities in a friendly manner in the school without considering ethnic, religious, language or other differences helps strengthen communal harmony and unity. We must respect humanity, as this is what every religion teaches us,” the President said.

Source: Daily News (Sri Lanka)