Prime Minister Dr. Harini Amarasuriya today called on students to recognise their responsibility to society and the environment, stressing that education must be guided by human values and respect for nature.
Addressing students at an awards ceremony at Temple Trees, the Prime Minister said education should not be limited to passing examinations but should aim to produce responsible citizens for both Sri Lanka and the global community.
She noted that recent experiences, including Cyclone Ditwah, have underscored the limits of technology and development when confronted by nature.
“We cannot think about development while forgetting nature,” she said, adding that the country must nurture human resources who are environmentally conscious, empathetic, capable of leadership and willing to take responsibility.
Dr. Amarasuriya reminded award recipients that their success was supported by families, teachers, communities and public investment funded by taxpayers. As a result, she said, students have an obligation to give back to society and contribute to national progress.
The ceremony recognised 361 outstanding A/L achievers from the Western Province, with each student receiving a cash award and certificate through the President’s Fund. Parents, educators, Members of Parliament and senior government officials were also in attendance.
