A seven-storeyed building at Ananda College, Colombo was opened by President Gotabaya Rajapaksa, the first and the only Executive President produced by Ananda College, on Friday.
The President laid floral tribute at the College War Memorial in remembrance of the fellow Anandians who sacrificed their lives for the motherland, followed by offering flowers to the statue of Henry Steele Olcott to commemorate the founders of Ananda College.
The “Sath Mahala“ is the first seven storeyed building constructed in a Sri Lankan school. The construction of the building commenced on January 1, 2015 under the patronage of former Education Minister Bandula Gunawardana.
The building, constructed at a cost of Rs 620 million, comprises 44 classrooms, a science lab, an IT lab, a staff room, a medical center, aesthetic rooms and the main library. The president told the gathering that the Government expects to make drastic changes in education and development strategies. He said that the future generation should be equipped with wisdom, skills and proper training to overcome new challenges.
“It is high time we come up with a strategy and vision towards development. The government has a correct vision and plans for development,” President said.
President Rajapaksa said that it is time to set aside teacher and examination centric education system in favour of a student-centered education system. He said that the parents should not burden their children with examinations.
“It is essential for students not only to get through examinations but also to become a balanced person who will contribute to the economic and social development of the country,” he said. The President said it is one of his priorities to establish a qualitative and advanced tertiary education system.
He said that the 21st century is called the century of wisdom. Sri Lanka is blessed with an educated labour force and it should be used efficiently, the President said. Most Ven. Niyangoda Vijithasiri Thera, Anunayake of the Malwatte Chapter of the Siamese sect, Speaker Karu Jayasuriya, Ministers Dullas Alahapperuma, Bandula Gunawardana, Prasanna Ranatunga, Ranjith Siyambalapitiya, Western Province Governor Dr. Seetha Arambepola and Principal S.M Keerthirathna were also present.