Jan 17, Colombo: President Mahinda Rajapaksa opened a new National School for the children of members of the three Armed Forces and Police this morning at Slave Island.

First Lady Shiranthi Rajapaksa, Minister of Education Susil Premajayantha, Deputy Minister of Education Nirmala Kotalawela, Minister of Industrial Development Kumara Welgama, President's Secretary Lalith Weeratunga, Defence Secretary Gotabhaya Rajapaksa, the Commanders of the three Armed Forces and the Inspector General of Police were also present.

The President, addressing the gathering after the opening, said the government is committed to the welfare of the country's children.

The school, which has commenced as a primary school, will be developed into a full-fledged secondary school in stages. The Ministry of Defence in collaboration with the Ministry of Education will administer the school.

(Pix: Sudath Silva)