Governments aim is to create youth capable of taking on the modern world : Mangala

The Government's aim is to create a generation of youth capable of taking on the modern world while defeating tribal thinking says Minister of Finance and Media Mangala Samaraweera. The development of a country is ensured by the younger generation continuing to pursue education, he points out.

The minister said that the government is committed to ensuring this. Mangala Samaraweera made this statement at the opening of the school of St. Thomas 'Girls' High School in Matara and the foundation stone laying for a new four storied building.

Speaking further, the Minister said :

 ‘We've heard of agricultural, industrial, technological revolution. Today it is all about the digital revolution. Our aim is to create a suitable young generation for this. We have an era that talks about artificial intelligence” he said.

In the 2014 budget were allocated for education in the country at just under Rs. 196 billion. We have allocated Rs. 333 billion for education from the 2018 budget. The Minister said this shows the governments dedication to education.

 The Minister also voiced his opinion on an incident that had taken place on the day. “When I arrived here today a student who I believe is a prefect handed me a sheaf of betel and worshipped me” he said adding that this should not be done. No one should bend before power, the Minister said. According to him, people should only worship their religious leaders, parents and teachers. “That is enough” he said adding that people have not got used to worshipping various politicians.

:Who knows what illegal things I do back at home so only worship those who should be worshipped” he said. “We must create a society that is able to work with a backbone” he said.