Colombo: In order to safeguard the future of the country, Prime Minister Dr. Harini Amarasuriya emphasized the critical need for developing a quality human resource, highlighting the pivotal role of education in achieving economic, social, and cultural security.
According to News.LK, the Prime Minister affirmed the government’s commitment to transforming the education sector, assuring that they will persist in overcoming challenges with a clear vision and purpose. Her remarks were made during the EDCS Sisu Nena Pranama scholarship award ceremony at Temple Trees, an event recognizing children of the Education Co-operative Society members selected for state universities for the 2023/2024 academic year.
The Prime Minister elaborated that the scholarship program, organized by the Education Service Employees’ Co-operative Thrift and Credit Society Ltd, extends beyond financial aid. It acknowledges the dedication of students and parents preparing to shoulder the country’s future responsibilities. She highlighted
the society’s remarkable growth from its inception in 1930 with 58 members to the largest cooperative society in South Asia, boasting approximately 215,000 members.
Dr. Amarasuriya also addressed the rapid changes in the world and the pressing need for human resource development in response to economic and environmental crises. She advocated for a transformation of the education system starting from school level to meet modern demands, encouraging students entering universities to become leaders in this transformation.
Highlighting that only about 40,000 out of nearly 300,000 students entering primary education each year gain university admission, the Prime Minister urged students to seize the opportunity for national development.
Deputy Minister of Labour and General Secretary of Ceylon Teachers Service Union, Mr. Mahinda Jayasinghe, noted the society’s financial growth due to corruption-free management, increasing its stability from Rs. 1,200 million to Rs. 1,700 million in around nine months.
This ye
ar, scholarships totaling over Rs. 13.7 million were awarded to 2,292 students selected for state universities. The program, initiated in 1984 with 15 students, has consistently provided scholarships, now reaching up to Rs. 75,000 per student, reflecting the teaching community’s solidarity.
The event was attended by notable figures including the Chairman of the Education Development Cooperative Society, Mr. Lal Kumara, and the Western Province Director of Education, Ms. Darshani Iddamalgoda, among other officials.