The objective of the education plan is to ensure that a youth passing out of a university becomes an important citizen who provides a valuable service to the society, the President said at the Prize Giving ceremony of the Bandaranaike Vidyalaya in Gampaha today (July 24).

He said the government would introduce reforms to the education system to keep up with the rapidly developing educational standards in the world.

Pointing out that the school children are the main targets of drug dealers, he said that the government would take every possible step to defeat the evil designs of drug traders and protect the future generation of the nation. The government is totally committed to eradicate drugs and strengthen reconciliation am0omng the different communities, President Sirisena stated. Two other priorities are the protection of environment and development of economy with main focus on indigenous economy.

The President was received ceremoniously by the students of the Bandaranaike Vidyalaya and he was given a guard of honour by the school cadets.

President Sirisena offered pooja at the school shrine room and paid respects at the Ranaviru Memorial.

The President gave away prizes to 25 students who excelled in commerce, science and mathematics. The teachers with outstanding service records were also honoured and the President congratulated the students who obtained high marks and become eligible toi enter universities.