D.S. Senanayake College Colombo 7 celebrated the Teachers' Day on October 6 by creating awareness on the need to maintain a healthy environment to prevent the outbreak of diseases such as dengue and other infections diseases. The event was also commemorated by paying tribute to the past pupils of war heroes, of the college who laid down their lives to protect the motherland. The Minister of Education Bandula Gunawardhane, Minister of Health Maithripala Sirisena, Army Commander Jagath Jayasooriya and other distinguished invitees participated in the event.

From Right; The Principal Mr.D.M.D. Dissanayake, Ministers Bandula Gunawardena, Maithripala Sirisena and Army Commander Jagath Jayasooriya

The Principal of D.S. Senanayake College Mr. D.M.D. Dissanayake speaking to teachers on this day said that teachers should act as parents to students at the school. It is the responsibility of the teachers to identify the students' skills and abilities and make them good law abiding citizens who would respect their parents, teachers, religion and other culture.

The teachers should maintain a good relationship with the students in school, which will enable them to discuss their problems and difficulties on relevant subjects. D.S. Senanayake College which gives top priority for education and discipline from its inception has to be maintained.

The Education Minister Bandula Gunawardena said that "Teaching is a noble profession" and it should be respected by us. Teachers play a vital role in inculcating values to the children in building up a good society. He further stated that a huge disparity had arisen concerning teachers serving in schools as the majority of the teachers want to serve in schools in the city from the day of their appointment. Today the popular schools are overstaffed while many rural schools are short staffed. This has resulted in the children of rural schools not receiving a sound education to enter universities.

The Minister of Health Maithripala Sirisena said that keeping the environment clean is vital to prevent breeding places for mosquitoes, especially in schools. Teaching the children to keep the environment clean should be inculcated to the children at school as they would then practice the same at home. He further stated that the green culture environment maintained at D.S. Senanayake College primary school reflects the commitment of the school to the environment.

A child entering D.S. Senanayake College starts his schooling career at a greener environment. It is a privilege to study at this school stated the Minister.