Present day children need a better ticket to life - EDITORIAL

The youth of Sri Lanka are immensely talented and there are so many television programmes designed especially for them these days. Just consider the talent shows that are conducted for children these days. There are shows which test their general knowledge, dancing and singing skills. Recently a show to test their science skills was introduced on a local television channel. But what is the future for these talented kids in this island?

Children and also youth are educated in schools and academic institutes here which are getting the services of the best of teachers. But there must be special programmes that must pull at the heartstrings of children in terms of making them think of serving the country before they emigrate. Each child educated at a government school has the duty to contribute some service to the country.

There are schoolboys and girls, who educate themselves in private schools and then gain entry into State universities here in Sri Lanka. Though they had their school education for a heavy fee their university education was for free. Hence they have a duty towards the country. 
One scholar, who was educated at a private school first and then at a State university, said in a private television talk show that he had served ten years in a State institute and by doing so paid the debt he owes the country for giving him free University education.

Youth in this island must be taught to give back something of value to this country. We see some philanthropists returning to Sri Lanka after earning their degrees and giving back to the island- which gave them so much; something that would otherwise be beyond the means of many residents here. As much as there is a time to take or receive there is also a time to give back. Otherwise, the equation is not complete.

This country must see lovely things happening; like giving back more than taking. We’ve known just the art of taking and not even bothering to see whether there is enough to go around.
And those who give, vouch that when giving, the best satisfaction is obtained by those who give to those who in their wildest dreams cannot do anything for you. Indian legendary cricketer Sachin Tendulkar was here in the island the other day on a UNICEF-funded programme and catered to the needs of underprivileged children in the island. We know of a few cricketers of our very own who are known to do charity and all that is appreciated. But Sri Lanka also must think big and be associated with world bodies like UNICEF and ensure that the country of their birth is getting the best at a time of financial difficulty.

Sri Lanka needs funds and donations. It needs the attention of large world organizations and help. But when such organizations are involved they look for transparency; something which the island’s past governments lacked and was even badly exposed when exposes were conducted. We know what happened during the tsunami and how some privileged individuals got rich. Now the outside world thinks twice before helping Sri Lanka. 
The same can be said about Sri Lankans who are affluent and living abroad. We still have lawmakers with a questionable background in Parliament. How can that trust be built with the outside world when politicians who were rejected by the people are still passing laws in Parliament?

We talk about our youth and children with pride. We talk about or boast about them being brought up in religious and safe Asian environments. But we still get to see how unsafe they are at home and how some of them have complained about being physically abused by their dads or uncles. We have to build a better Sri Lanka for our youth and children. Children are our future and the focus on the world is on how Sri Lanka will fare in the future. Our children need a second chance to survive and grow. One civil war destroyed the future of one set of youth. We don’t need any more wars or bloodbaths in this country. The present-day youth and children need a chance for a better ticket to life.