President Mahinda Rajapaksa said that he strongly believed that it is the children who are most valuable asset of the nation. He said that the education of children was the future of the country and the Government, within a very short period in history, had expended the highest amount on education.

The President opined that everyone is tasked with imparting education to the children. The children of the nation are being considered as the country’s wealth. The country may get new harbours, buildings and reservoirs. But he said he strongly believed that it is the children who are most valuable for him and the people and the country.

The country does not need a society which has no respect for the parents, the elders, the teachers and the motherland. If so, the President emphasized that the children should be uplifted while developing the country.

The President made these statements while speaking at the opening of the new four-storied building of St. John’s College, Nugeoda. The new building is equipped with a fully fledged computer laboratory, class rooms and administrative complex and an auditorium. It cost 45 million rupees. A sapling was planted to mark the President’s visit to the College.

Addressing another public rally at Ja-Ela, President Rajapaksa said an era in which the people derive the benefits of development has been ushered in. The President opined that the development of the districts has a direct impact on the economy. He said he solicited the support of the people to moot the programme. He is tasked with the responsibility of creating conditions need to mete out justice to all communities. The Buddhists, Catholics, Hindus and Islamists should be able to profess their faith sans hindrances. He said it is his belief that the unity and peace among people contribute towards development.