There is no need for anyone to teach us Sri Lankans about protecting human rights since we are inherited with protecting human rights for centuries, Education Minister Prof.G.L.Peiris said.
He made these remarks at a ceremony organised to help three students of a visually impaired mother in Ginigathhena at the Education Ministry Auditorium yesterday. The mother had informed the principal of the Ginigathhena Central College, at where one of her three children is studying, that she cannot send the children to school as she cannot feed them due to poverty. Having heard this incident several sectors including the Education Ministry took immediate measures to facilitate the family. Accordingly, with the assistance of both local and foreign well-wishers, the Education Ministry has created a mechanism to assist the education of the three students. Besides several other facilities including hygienic facilities will be provided. Of the three children, the elder girl is studying in Grade Six of the Ginigathhena Central College while the other two are studying in Grade three and two at the Ginigathhena Primary School.
Minister Peiris addressing the gathering said that foreign countries need not to teach Sri Lanka about protecting human rights and having sympathy since we are inherited those qualities by birth.
“No foreigners should teach us about protecting human rights as we have those qualities for centuries with the introduction of Buddhism to the country.Not only protecting others’ human rights we assist and help each other as a duty and responsibility,” the Minister stressed.
Speaking on the education sector, the Minister said that the prime responsibility of the government is to provide every child with equal opportunities of education. Then the Ministry opens new doors for children to gain quality education and knowledge. “The Right to education and the right to work are protected. The Ministry is duty bound to bring those responsibilities to a practical aspect” he added.
Minister C.B. Ratnayake said moves are under way to facilitate such students affected by financial constraints. Speaking on the environment sector he said that certain persons are trying to exaggerate and highlight minor incidents relating to environment including deforestation.
The Principal of Ginigathena Central College Upul Indrajith said that a mechanism has already been formed to facilitate the three students for their studies and other requirements.
