Speaking at the 162nd prize giving of Royal College, Colombo yesterday, President Rajapaksa said the task of rebuilding a country is quite challenging and it is vital for the youth to be empowered with knowledge and values in our march towards development.
"We need people who love their country", the President said.

The President presented plaques to the teachers with over 25 years of continuous service and certificates to the students who had displayed special talents.
President Rajapaksa added that of Royal College students are blessed with an opportunity of learning in a multi-ethnic and multi-cultural environment.

He said that the history of Sri Lanka provides ample instances of how human rights were protected in the country. “There is no better place than the history of Sri Lanka which offers a number of lessons on how human rights are protected”, he explained.
President Rajapaksa said that King Dutugemunu had decreed to the countrymen to pay due respect to the burial grounds where King Elara was cremated.

Children from every parts country, are found here. It is a privilege to get such a rare opportunity of learning to respect other religions from a tender age. It makes it easy for you to co-exist with the rest of the people irrespective of differences, such as, race, religion or any other social standing, President added.

Solidarity and harmony with the rest of the nations are your future. It is the future of this country as well, President Rajapaksa further said.