In a momentous announcement during the centenary celebration of Badulla Guruthalawa Muslim Central College on December 27th, President Ranil Wickremesinghe shed light on two critical challenges facing the nation: building a stable economy and addressing the ethnic problem.
President Wickremesinghe extended an open invitation to all political parties, urging them to collaborate regardless of affiliations to achieve these crucial national goals. Emphasizing his commitment to safeguarding the rights of all citizens, he expressed a desire to swiftly resolve lingering issues related to reconciliation and revealed plans to make a special statement on these matters in March.
During his visit to Guruthalawa Muslim Central College, the President received a warm welcome from students as part of the centenary celebrations. He inaugurated the college’s new website and received a commemorative issue from the Principal, A. Sammun, marking the centenary of the College.
President Wickremesinghe took the opportunity to award medals to students who excelled in the GCE Ordinary Level and GCE Advanced Level exams. Congratulating the college on its centenary, he left a note in the commemorative book and posed for a group photo with the teaching staff.
In his address, President Wickremesinghe underscored the imperative of advancing government initiatives to secure a prosperous future for the nation’s children. Despite garnering support from nations worldwide, he lamented that the response to fortify the nation’s economy fell short of expectations.
He highlighted two paramount issues demanding immediate attention in the country: building a stable and resilient economy and seeking solutions to ethnic issues. President Wickremesinghe emphasized the commitment to progress while safeguarding the identity, religion, and culture of all ethnicities, including the Sinhala majority.
The President outlined ongoing efforts to address various challenges faced by different communities, including the Tamil, Muslim, and Sinhalese populations. Initiatives such as settling based on the 1985 map, providing land rights, addressing missing persons, and developing the economies of specific provinces were emphasized.
President Wickremesinghe assured the commitment to addressing concerns of Hill Country Tamil people, the Muslim community, and the development of Madrasa schools. He emphasized the protection of free expression and assured a comprehensive statement by February or March after consultations with religious and political leaders.
Notable figures at the event, including State Minister of Higher Education Aravinda Kumar and Member of Parliament Vadivel Suresh, expressed gratitude for the President’s initiatives, extending wishes for the school’s future and acknowledging the dedication to educational development nationwide.
The commemorative event witnessed the presence of distinguished dignitaries, including Muslim religious leaders, State Minister of Education Aravinda Kumar, Governor of the Uva Province A. J. M. Muzammil, Uva Provincial Director of Education Rohitha Amaradasa, other provincial education officials, teachers, parents, students, and well-wishers.
