April 06, Colombo (LNW): During the 2022 annual prize-giving ceremony at Sirimavo Bandaranaike Vidyalaya in Colombo, President Ranil Wickremesinghe underscored the critical role of knowledge renewal in shaping Sri Lanka’s trajectory towards a knowledge-based society over the next 75 years.
Emphasizing the significance of modern technology and knowledge as new pillars of education, President Wickremesinghe cautioned against complacency, stressing that failure to align with global transformations could impede progress.
At the ceremony, President Wickremesinghe honored female students who excelled in the 2022 A-Level Examination and commended teachers for their contributions. Notably, Imasha Wimalaratne received the prestigious Dr. Sumedha Jayaweera Challenge Trophy for exceptional academic performance.
Reflecting on his commitment to advancing Sirimavo Bandaranaike Vidyalaya during his tenure as Education Minister, President Wickremesinghe highlighted ongoing efforts to propel the country forward and emphasized the importance of sustaining momentum for another 5 to 10 years.
Addressing the future of Sri Lanka’s youth, President Wickremesinghe stressed the government’s duty to equip them for an evolving society, leveraging modern tools such as mobile phones and laptops for educational purposes.
Looking ahead, President Wickremesinghe outlined plans to modernize various sectors, emphasizing the significance of knowledge and technology in fostering economic growth and development. He underscored the importance of continuous learning and announced initiatives to revamp the education system, including integrating AI technology into the curriculum and enhancing English language proficiency and IT skills.
Additionally, President Wickremesinghe detailed plans for educational institutions, including the establishment of the Green University and the expansion of technical universities and engineering faculties. Recognizing the shortage of medical professionals, efforts are underway to expand medical faculties and address this critical need.
President Wickremesinghe’s remarks reaffirm the government’s commitment to advancing education, fostering innovation, and preparing Sri Lanka’s youth for the challenges and opportunities of the future.