The President made these remarks addressing the 75th anniversary celebrations of Anula Vidyalaya, Nugegoda, yesterday (12).

He pointed out the importance of protecting children from drug menace as well as paying more attention to their safety. He also said that several programs will be implemented in the future in this regard fulfilling the responsibility of the Government.

The drug smugglers around the world conspiring to topple governments in order to increase funds by expanding their drug dealings, the President said.

Furthermore, President Sirisena pointed out the children tend to engage in various inappropriate activities not during the school hours, but during the time they spend under the care of their parents and stressed the importance of paying more attention towards the children by their parents. The President also said that from the minds of some parents the responsibility to look after their children has been dropped as their sole focus is on efforts to achieve physical resources.

In this context, it is very important to develop the spiritual life of contemporary human beings, the President said. He added that the Buddhist philosophy provides solutions for issues that could arise in the present and the future. The Lord Buddha is the founder of the sustainable development concept, he added.

President Maithripala Sirisena opened the drug prevention exhibition stall established to mark the 75th anniversary celebrations of Anula Vidyalaya and later joined in viewing the Sinhala literature exhibition. A first day cover and also a stamp issued to mark the 75th anniversary celebrations of the School.

Four books translated by K.G. Senuri Perera, a student of Anula Vidyalaya, Nugegoda, were presented to the President.

The Mahanayake Thero of Kotte Sri Kalayani Samagri Dharma Maha Sangha Sabha, Most Ven. Ittapana Dhammalankara Nayake Maha Thera and Minister Patali Champika Ranawaka also participated.