KANDY - "Gathering knowledge through reading has disappeared from students. They depend on the lectures of their teachers at private tuition classes and the universities. Students should not limit their knowledge merely to pass the examinations. They must develop the reading habit to gather more knowledge to make themselves complete men and women," observed Prof. Kapila Gunasekara, Vice Chancellor of the University of Peradeniya at the annual prize-giving of Pushpadana Girls College, Kandy.

Prof. Gunasekera who was the chief guest at the prize giving was welcomed by the Principal Ms. W. D. P. K. Samarasinghe and the staff.

Prof. Gunasekara said that the reading habit of students was fast moving away. It was limited to school children who are depending on the lectures of the private tuition masters but is found in the university student community as well.

Wider knowledge and information could be collected from books. Knowledge could also achieved by computers. But achieving knowledge by book reading is easier as one could lie on a bed or chair and read a book, Prof. Gunasekera noted.

Prior to the private tutory system Prof. Gunasekera said students depended on the teachers and for additional knowledge and information the students read books. The private tutory systems in large scale cause into practice since 40 years ago due to some reason or other and by now the private tuition classes are treated indispensable. Not only children but also parents find private tuition classes as very important. Parents spend more money on tuition than they spend on state schools.

Prof. Gunasekara said that parents as well as students were of the opinion that the state had the obligation to provide everything free since it was free education in Sri Lanka. Parents who spend thousands of rupees on private tuition were reluctant to spare Rs. 7 or Rs. 8 on the school where their children learnt.

"This attitude is present at university level too", he said."

Free education is provided to children from the funds raised by some means or other from the people of the country. Free education is funded by the people in other words, he noted.

The Vice Chancellor advised that children should develop their skills, personality and expertise in any field be it general education or extra curricular activities to serve the people and the land.

Principal Pushpadana Girls College Ms. W. D. P. K. Samarasinghe tabled the schools progress report. School captain Erandi Dodanwela proposed a vote of thanks. Prof. Gunasekera distributed the prizes.