Current Parliament reflects a refined intellectual standard, says Speaker

The current Parliament provides a strong foundation for intellectual dialogue, according to Speaker Dr. Jagath Wickramaratne.

Speaking as the chief guest at the annual prize-giving ceremony of Dharmaraja College in Kandy yesterday (17), he described Parliament as a mirror of the public, noting that the quality of representatives directly reflects the state of the citizenry.

Dr. Wickramaratne highlighted significant progress in the current assembly’s composition, which includes approximately 19 medical doctors and the highest number of female representatives in the country's history.

He emphasised that since the public chooses their representatives, the presence of capable individuals in the house is a positive indicator of the national mindset.

Addressing the field of education, the Speaker stressed that discipline must precede the acquisition of knowledge.

Referencing Aristotle, he noted that educating the mind without educating the heart is no education at all, as true humanity and empathy come from "heart-centered" learning.

He further observed that intense competition in schools often produces graduates rather than true intellectuals.

The Speaker concluded by stating that new educational reforms aim to nurture children both mentally and emotionally, ensuring no student leaves school without practical training or a sense of social and spiritual well-being.