She made these remarks today (18) while attending the foundation-laying ceremony for a new two-storey building at Walaswewa Gunapala Mallasekara Model School in Mahawa.
The school, which was originally established in 1936 as a temple school and later converted into a government school, was closed in 2004 due to various challenges. It was subsequently reopened and has now developed into a key educational institution with around 1,300 students currently enrolled.
Addressing the event, the Prime Minister appreciated the contribution of the local community and school supporters towards the development of the institution, alongside government intervention. She reiterated that protecting the education and safety of schoolchildren is a shared national responsibility.
She further stated that by 2026, no school in the country should lack basic facilities, adding that the government is working swiftly to achieve this target through targeted interventions.
Emphasizing equality in education, Dr. Amarasuriya noted that children cannot be categorized simply as “talented” or “untalented,” as every child possesses unique abilities. She said it is the responsibility of the education system to identify and nurture those talents.
The Prime Minister further highlighted that all government investments in education aim to develop creative, capable, and practical citizens, while ongoing education reforms will create new opportunities for students to succeed in emerging global fields.
The new building, estimated to cost Rs. 37.6 million, will include six classrooms and an office. It is scheduled to be completed before the end of this year.
Deputy Minister of Agriculture and Livestock Namal Karunaratne, Kurunegala District MP Geetha Herath, Mahawa Pradeshiya Sabha Chairman Sumedha Kumara, Chief Secretary of the North Western Provincial Ministry Chandana Wanninayake, senior government officials, education authorities, and school staff were also present.
