The President was speaking at the inauguration of two-day workshop for University students held on the theme ‘New Tendencies of Higher Education'. today (Nov.13) at Blue Water Hotel in Wadduwa.

President Sirisena pointed out that university students have an important role to play in political and social reforms for good governance. “They can perform a large role for the betterment of the people in the country with the knowledge they gain within the university buildings”, the President said.

He also invited the intellectuals of the Universities to impart their knowledge, wisdom and experience for the betterment of the country in coordination with the government.

“To go forward as a country, citizens of that country must be equipped with relevant knowledge and technology,” the President said, adding that it is important for scholars and intellectuals of that country to be vigilant as to how people use the freedom when combined with knowledge and technology.

The President expressed his regret over some websites for the way they handle social media using defamatory statements even on late Ven. Maduluwawe Sobitha Thero and said that there should be a broad dialogue within the country regarding the use of freedom and technology for better purposes as the tendency to use it for bad purposes is higher.

The President emphasized that special attention should be paid o observe how far the people’s representatives use their knowledge and understanding to provide a positive message to the public within the allocated time for the live coverage of parliamentary proceedings.

This workshop will continue until tomorrow. More than 300 university lecturers, participated in this workshop.

Minister of University Education – Mohan Lal Grero and other dignitaries participated in the event.