Akurala MV at new location, a blessing in disguise - CM

D. C. de Silva, Kahawa special correspondent

KAHAWA: The Italian funded two-storeyed new building complex for the tsunami hit Akurala Kanista Vidyalaya (KV) is a blessing in disguise", said SPC CM Shan Wijayalal de Silva.

He was in Akurala to open the new school building for the Akurala KV together with the Italian Ambassador, PIO Miriani, and his Italian delegation.

THE CM said Akurala KV which was opened in 1871, was 133 years old, when it was caught up by the tsunami in 2004. Akurala KV was one of the leading schools in the province, which produced several outstanding personalities in the country such as MPs, Ministers, Ambassadors and Administrative Officers. He said the Late C. W. W. Kannangara the father of free education, was also at one time a teacher of the school.

The CM said, I faced a problem whether to close down the school or not, once the tsunami destroyed the school. The school was located very close to the beach. It was at this juncture, the Italian Embassy came to the rescue of the school. But the next problem I faced was, to find a suitable safe land to put up a new school.

It was at this time, that A. Kumudu de Silva of Akurala came forward, to donate his land in Akurala drive to put up the school anew. He said, If not for his generosity, there woudln't be a new school for Akurala. Therefore all villagers' thanks must go to Kumudu and his family members. The SPC will assist the school further in its development.

Italian Ambassador PIO Miriani handing over the keys of the new buildings, to the CM, said "the Italian Embassy, and the Italian Government were delighted with the donation of a new school to the tsunami hit children of Akurala. Italian assistance to the school would follow.

He also thanked Mr. Kumudu for his kind gesture in donating the land make for the new school building. Mohan P. de Silva SPC member and SLFP Ratgama organiser, after cutting the ribbon to open the school, said, he was overjoyed to see the new school for Akurala, funded by Italy, in place of the destroyed school of Akurala.

He said the new school looks grand, spacious, comfortable, and complete with all facilities, and the fullest use of it", he told the children and parents.