Colombo, Aug 20 (Daily Mirror) – Prime Minister Dr. Harini Amarasuriya has urged parents and teachers not to place excessive academic pressure on children during the current school holiday period, saying that children need time to rest, relax and enjoy their holidays.

Speaking during the Second Reading debate on the Bill to amend legislation relating to the employment of women, young persons and children in Parliament today (20), the Prime Minister said holidays were necessary for children’s mental well-being.“Children need holidays as well,” she said, while acknowledging the efforts of principals and teachers to develop schools to high standards.

She said children also require time to rest and recuperate, adding that they need freedom and space for their minds.The Prime Minister therefore appealed to parents and teachers to avoid placing excessive academic demands on children during the holiday period.