Prime Minister Dr. Harini Amarasuriya stated that certain comments made on social media, particularly those targeting a child, a vulnerable person or a woman, clearly demonstrate the need for a cultured human being in society.
The Prime Minister emphasized that a cultured person is not merely someone who possesses knowledge acquired through books or is capable of presenting memorized information. Rather, a cultured person is one who undergoes an inner transformation through literature and artistic expression and brings a sense of humanity and sensitivity into society.
The Prime Minister made these remarks yesterday (06) while attending the Gampaha Literary Festival (GAMLIT 26) held at the Gampaha Municipal Council Auditorium as the Chief Guest, according to the Prime Minister’s Media Division.
She further noted that a person who has undergone such a transformative change and possesses a deep sense of sensitivity would not cause humiliation, hurt or disrespect to another person.
Prior to the commencement of the literary festival, the Prime Minister visited the exhibition stalls presented by schoolchildren in the fields of art, literature and technology. She listened to the students’ presentations on emerging trends in these fields and engaged in cordial exchanges with them. She also appreciated the talents demonstrated by the children as well as the dedication of the teachers who had guided and supported them.
The Prime Minister subsequently presented gifts and certificates to students who demonstrated various talents and to the schools that participated in the exhibition, it said.
Addressing the literary festival thereafter, the Prime Minister stated that the organization of such a literary festival by a Municipal Council serves as an example to the entire country. She noted that the theme of the festival, “In Search of a Cultured Citizen,” is timely, and that the objective of creating a cultured human being is also reflected in the Government’s policy statement.
The Prime Minister emphasized that, alongside rebuilding the country’s economy, developing infrastructure and strengthening institutions, creating transformative human beings is also a key objective of the Government. She noted that, as the country marks two years since embarking on its transformative journey, taking initiatives such as this is of utmost importance in fulfilling that responsibility.
The Prime Minister further stated that this cultural festival is not an event limited to a few days. The discussions held in preparation for the festival, the commitment and dedication of the children, their training and the dialogue surrounding it, together with the attention given to art and literature, contribute to creating empathetic and sensitive human beings. Stressing that it is the responsibility of the Government to create appropriate pathways for schoolchildren, who are the future hope of the country, according to their talents and abilities, the Prime Minister called upon students to make literature and the arts a part of their lives. She also expressed confidence that, building on these experiences, the initiative could be developed into a national-level programme.
Addressing the occasion, Deputy Minister of Labour Mahinda Jayasinghe appreciated all municipal councillors, irrespective of different political parties, for their support in making the literary festival a success. He emphasized that building the country both materially and culturally is a shared responsibility.
The occasion was attended by the Deputy Minister of Religious and Cultural Affairs Muneer Mulaffer , Gampaha District Member of Parliament Lasith Bhashana, the Mayor of Gampaha, the Deputy Mayor, municipal councillors and residents.
