Sinhala boy shines at all Island Tamil Language Day

Geeth Madusanka Hettiarachchi, 14, a student from Maliyadeva College, Kurunegala stole the limelight at the Prize Distribution ceremony. All Island Tamil Language Day conducted by the Tamil Language Unit of the Ministry of Education.

The ceremony was held at the New Kathiresan Hall, Bambalapitiya, on Wednesday under the auspices of the Secretary of Ministry of Education Ariyaratne Hewage.

The children and parents from eight Provinces were present.

Geeth Madusanka Hettiarachchi captured the hearts of everyone, in delivering his brilliant speech in Tamil. Hettiarachchi was selected as the All-Island Best Student in the Competition for Tamil Reading by Sinhala students. He spoke fluently in Tamil.

"Sir, this is an important ceremony, As a Sinhala boy, I joined hand with my Tamil brothers and sisters, We are one family. I hope that we must all live in harmony. I think we must live like brothers and sisters in Sri Lanka. This country belongs to all of us", he said. He is from Mallawapitiya in Kurunegala District.

"At Maliyadeva, I started learning Tamil from Grade 3. I am in Grade 9. I am ever grateful to my beloved Tamil teachers, Mr. Nazar, S. Premile who taught me Tamil. Our Principal R.M.M. Ratnayake and the entire staff, student Hettiarachchi said.

Speaking at the ceremony Secretary, Ministry of Education Ariyaratne Hewage said he was touched by Geeth Madusanka's brilliant piece of oratory in Tamil. The Sinhala children should learn Tamil and Tamil children should learn Sinhala.

They are the future of Sri Lanka. Therefore Sinhalese and Tamils should live in harmony. That is the only way in developing this country, Hewage said.