THE prime minister’s wife, Datin Seri Rosmah Mansor, was a guest of honour at a preschool concert at the Nelum Pokuna Mahinda Rajapaksa Theatre here on Friday night.
The Carlton Preschool Annual Concert was also attended by Sri Lankan President Mahinda Rajapaksa and First Lady Shiranthi Rajapaksa, who is also the founder, director and principal of the school.
About 1,800 children presented 22 dances and songs, including Western and local performances, in the two-hour concert.
The Carlton Preschool was established in 1986 and has eight branches in Sri Lanka. With an enrolment of more than 2,000 students, the school also conducts classes for autistic, special needs and differently abled children.
In her speech after the concert, Rosmah praised the children and teachers for putting up a wonderful show.
“After months of practice, the hard work today has certainly been worthwhile. As parents, I am sure you are very proud of your talented children,” she said.
Rosmah also shared with the audience her efforts to initiate the Permata Negara Programme for early childhood education and care, which offers an alternative approach in early education and childcare for children below the age of 4 in Malaysia.
Rosmah also praised Shiranthi, who is a professional in child psychology and preschool education, for taking the Carlton Preschool to greater heights.
In her welcoming speech, Shiranthi said the pupils, including those with special needs, were taught the importance of communication and coordination to ensure that the night was a success.
“At Carlton Preschool, we also believe that every child is a special image of ability or disability. Therefore, it gives me great pleasure to see the special-needs children performing with such energy and confidence.”
Later, Rosmah and the Malaysian delegation attended a dinner at the residence of the president here. Bernama