Over are the days when rural children had to learn under tremendous difficulties as Mahinda Chinthana principles implemented all over the country are bringing all modern amenities to the village so far available only in urban schools, said President Mahinda Rajapaksa addressing a school ceremony at Vijitha Madya Maha Vidyalaya, Dickwella, yesterday (Oct. 6).

"The student who came first in the island this time in the grade five scholarship examination is a student from a rural school that was established only two years ago in Hambantota area in the Sinhalese medium. The Tamil medium student who came first is also from such a school in Jaffna," he added.

President said that in the past the rural students had to seek admission to an urban school for a better education and the present policies are rapidly changing the situation. The better results shown by the rural schools today are proving that the attempts of the government are being fruitful.

"These new schools should not produce bookworms. Extra curricular activities should be encouraged and to produce a healthy nation sports should be improved to international standards in these schools.

The teachers are vested with a significant task of building a virtuous future generation. It was the onus of the teachers on a day when their services are acclaimed and honored, to build a disciplined generation which respects elders and care for the motherland" President further stated.

President declared open new buildings and a play ground for the school at a cost of Rs.200 million. The playground, been built at a cost of Rs.31 million, is capable of training athletes to international standards.

As part of the day's programme the President also laid the foundation stone to build a modern swimming pool.

Members of the Maha Sangha including the Mahanayake of the Sri Rohana Chapter the Ven. Aththudawe Sri Rahula Thera, Ministers Susil Premajayanth, Prof. G.L. Peiris, Dulles Alahapperuma, Mahinda Amaraweera and Gamini Lokuge, Deputy Ministers Sarath Kumara Gunaratne and Neomal Perera and School Principal Nimal Dissanayake were also present at the event.