Silence of intellectuals an obstacle to solve issues: President

Thursday, 11 August 2016 00:00 - - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}

President Maithripala Sirisena emphasised that academics and intellectuals should come forward to solve the problems and issues before the country for the sake of the future generations.

Addressing the Alumni Awards Ceremony of University of Sri Jayewardenepura held at Waters Edge in on Monday, the President recalled the statement made by American humanitarian leader Martin Luther King that the main obstacle to progress of human society is the silence of academics and intellectuals and the raucous noise of the senseless people.

He added that the statement made by Martin Luther King was now more relevant to our country than in the past.

President Sirisena said that the Government expected the contribution of all intellectuals in the university education field to solve the matters pertaining to the field, to produce the scholars needed for the country and he also extended an open invitation to academics in this regard.

The President pointed out the shortage of human resources was a serious issue among the main issues of the country to which solutions should be provided.

The President presented awards to 47 alumni of the University of Sri Jayewardenepura at this awards ceremony.

Ven. Ellawala Medhananda Thero, Ven. Egodamulle Amaramoli Nayaka Thero and Ven. Galaboda Gnanissara Thero were also among the award recipients from the President.

Inspector General of Police Pujith Jayasundara and high-ranking State officials were also awarded at the ceremony.

Ministers S.B. Dissanayake, Mahinda Samarasinghe and Ranjith Siyambalapitiya were among the special guests who were present at the event.