Teachers have a vital role to play in creating valuable citizens – President

Teachers have to play a vital role in creating valuable persons who will lead the country forward, said President Mahinda Rajapaksa this week.

The President was addressing the ceremony to hand over teaching appointments to the diploma holders of National Colleges of Education.

At the event 2,524 diploma holders who passed out from 18 National Colleges of Education were awarded teaching appointments to serve in provincial and national schools in the country.

“Teachers are duty bound to guide children to be valuable citizens who will not be a burden to the society. Such a valuable person is an asset to the country and people. Therefore, teachers are said to be front liners among those who mould the future generation which will lead the country forward in the future,” the President said.

He said students always trust on teachers sometimes more than parents since the teachers guide children. Hence, it is the duty of teachers to guide the children towards the correct path. The teachers have to be the best friend, mother or father to the child since it is helpful for teachers to direct the children to a brighter future.

On the part of teachers, they have to be exemplary not only to children but also to the country. Teachers should be iconic characters while showcasing better characteristic qualities. They have to safeguard the occupational dignity while maintaining good behaviour, the President added.