The government aims to eliminate disparities in the education sector by ensuring quality education and equal educational opportunities for every child, Minister of Environment Dr. Dammika Patabendi has stated.

The Minister made these remarks while addressing a programme held at the Ratnapura District Secretariat to recognise outstanding students from the Ratnapura and Kegalle districts who excelled at the 2025 G.C.E. Advanced Level Examination.

Minister Patabendi stressed that education should go beyond imparting academic knowledge and should also prepare children to live harmoniously with others, respect religious and cultural diversity, develop a love for the environment and uphold human values, the President’s Media Division said in a statement.

He also appreciated the contribution of the President’s Fund towards supporting the government's efforts to ensure equal access to quality education.

Meanwhile, a total of 40 outstanding students from the Ratnapura and Kegalle districts were recognised under the President’s Fund initiative. Twenty students from each district who obtained the highest results in their respective subject streams received financial assistance of Rs. 100,000 each, along with certificates of recognition.

Addressing the ceremony, Speaker of House Dr. Jagath Wickramaratne said the President’s Fund was expanding its role in serving the public in line with the Government’s policy of placing people first.

He urged students benefiting from free education to develop both academic knowledge and strong moral values, and to use their education for the betterment of the country while preparing to undertake future leadership responsibilities.

Senior Additional Secretary to the President and Secretary to the President’s Fund Roshan Gamage also addressed the gathering.
Sabaragamuwa Provincial Governor Champa Janaki Rajaratne, Deputy Minister Sundaralingam Pradeep, Ratnapura District MP and District Coordinating Committee Chairman Shantha Padmakumara Subasinghe, MPs Sunil Rajapaksa and Niluasha Lakmali Gamage, and Sabaragamuwa Provincial Chief Secretary Upali Jayasekara were among those present.

District Secretaries, public officials, teachers, parents and other invitees also attended the event.