Everything he touches turns to ‘gold’

Ruwini Jayawardana

* First visually handicapped student to achieve 10 A’s in G.C.E. O/L
* Many prizes in Sinhala lanuage contests
* All set to receive President’s Scout title

I am blind. All that I can see
My enchanted fingers bring to me,
As if all sight were mingled with all touch
I do not mind not-seeing very much...

Mary O’Neil

GREAT EFFORTS: Have you ever heard the story of Helen Keller? Helen was a deaf and blind girl who learnt to read and write through her efforts. She set an example to many such disabled children of her era and years to come.

Supun Rashind Jayawardena, 17, is another such courageous boy that many children can look up to. Supun had been born visually handicapped but even Mother Nature was unable smother his determination.

“I started schooling three months before other children of my age. I was four years and nine months when I started to learn Braille. My first teacher was Lalith Dissanayake from the Special Education Unit in our school. After two years of special training, I was admitted to year two,” he explained.

Supun is a student of Kingswood College, Kandy. He has brought pride to his alma mater on several occasions. He had passed his scholarship examinations with 174 marks, ranking third place at his school.

In year six, he joined the scouts under the guidance of Kapila Priyantha. He had taken part in scout camps, gone hiking and had even been abroad to represent Sri Lanka.

“I visited Japan in 2004 to represent my homeland at an event conducted by the Scouts Association of Japan. Two other representatives were with me. That was a memorable journey in my life,” he smiled.

Another highlight in Supun’s past was the day he got 10 A’s for his G.C.E. (Ordinary) Level Examination. Thus he became the first visually handicapped student to achieve this.

“It was not a great surprise for me because I was expecting those grades. However, it is always a great pleasure when things work out for your benefit. My parents had faith in me too, so they were not surprised. All my friends and teachers were amazed and pleased.

I received two medals and prizes for the highest marks for Sinhala at my school and for my performance at

 the Advanced Level Examination: one from my school in 2005 and the other from the Minister of Education, Susil Premajayantha in 2006.”

Supun had won prizes in competitions related to Sinhala language for many years. He is a member of the school debating team which won first place (Central Province) in a debate to mark World AIDS Day last year. This was an awareness programme for school children organised by the STD/AIDS Control programme of the Central Province.

Supun loves to listen to music, especially Sinhala and English Classical music. He has a passion to play the violin and guitar.

How did Supun cope with his studies without the aid of sight?

“My parents have been especially helpful to me. They read the texts aloud for me to listen to. I taped these recitals in cassettes and listened to them over and over again as my exams came up. Right now I am about to receive my title as a President’s Scout. I finished a project which is required for it and they are helping me to translate it. I am also grateful to the principal of Kingswood College, Ranjith Chandrasekara and the staff for their help.”

Is it difficult to learn Braille?

“Not at all. It takes time, effort and hard work. You trace the raised dots with your fingers. Education is essential. If you have the knowledge and capacity, you will reach your goal.”

Supun’s aim is to enter Law College. As a result of these fantastic achievements Supun had given similar children everywhere new hope.

Kannangara Central College sports meet

EVENT: The annual sports meet of the C.W.W. Kannangara Central College will be held on March 23, at 1.00 p.m. at the College Ground.

It’ll look like a battle when Houses Vijaya Parakrama. Gemunu and Tissa struggle to seek first place. Every one is keen on the marks achieved by four houses.

L.K. Jayaweera, Director of Education (Physical Education and Sports) Ministry of Education and higher Education will be the chief guest while Padmini Wijesinghe, Zonal Educational Directress, Pragathi Abeysinghe. HQI of Matugama and Janaka Siriwardana, captain Sri Lanka Army will be special guests.

After being placed first in the Regional Sports meet, competitors are confident of winning their events.

The meet will also comprise a march past and a display. Several events will be held on that day. In addition to these events the start of the meet will look like the beginning of the Asian Games.

Students are already decorating their tents and the playground. The best decorated tent will receive an award and also the best badge.

Organisers expect a big crowd.

Udara Lakshan Sanjeewa