Teen

Raveen tops Bio stream

Mahinda KULATHUNGA

RAVEEN DILRUK JAYATHILAKA, 19 of Nalanda College, Colombo, achieved the best results in the Colombo District, and the Island’s 4th place in the Biology stream in G.C.E. (Advanced Level) examination. He achieved the Island’s second place at G.C.E. (Ordinary Level) examination held in 2004, obtaining 10 distinctions.

He obtained three “A” s in the G.C.E. (Advanced Level) in the Biology Stream and his Z-score was 2.98. According to the marks he achieved, he comes 4th in the Island and 1st in the Colombo District. His aim is to serve the country as a Doctor.

Raveen lives in Nugegoda. His father, an old boy of Nalanda College is a doctor attached to the National Transport Medical Institute. His only sister is a first year medical student at the Peradeniya Medical College.

Having an educated family background, Dilruk engaged himself in many extra curricular activities at the college.

He is the President of the English Debating Team of Nalanda College and the Secretary of the College Quality Circle.

He represented Nalanda College at the International Conference of Quality Circles held in Lucknow in 2005 and achieved second place at the Conference.
 

He is the leader of the General Knowledge Quiz Team, and a member of the Senior Singing Team of the school. Dilruk is a member of the Science Association, and is an excellent pianist and guitarist.

Speaking to the Daily News about his achievement he said “I prepared to face the exam from the day I entered the Advanced Level class. I did not wait until the last minute to study. I studied everything I learnt daily. I attended school every day. My attendance record is 80 per cent. I did my best to complete the syllabus. I gave more attention to multiple Choice Questions (M.C.Q.’s).”

“The teachers gave me their fullest support. They always helped me in my studies. Our college has a very good library and I made the fullest use of it. I attended private tuition classes but never stayed away from school.

I always gave priority to school work. My teachers helped me in carrying out practical experiments. I had good friends at school and always discussed study problems with them. My mother and father gave me their fullest support.

They never forced me to study. They were solidly behind me at all times. My sister also co-operated with me at all times. I advise other G.C.E. (Advanced Level) students to study the subject matter extensively, and thereby minimise their mistakes,” he said.

He also said he is grateful to his teachers, the Principal of the Nalanda College, his friends and is parents. Raveen’s parents said they are very happy of his remarkable achievement, and that they did not pressurise him to study at any time. They are having sound hopes towards his future.

Commenting on Raveen Dilruk’s achievement the Principal of the Nalanda College Hemantha Premathilaka said this achievement of Raveen Dilruk, who was well ahead in studies and extra curricular activities, is a feather in the cap of Nalanda College.

Pictures by Ranjith Jayaweera

Fazil shines at GCE A/L

Ruzaik FAROOK, Colpetty Correspondent

Mohamed Fazil Buharie of Prince of Wales College, Moratuwa achieved fourth place in the island and placed third in Colombo District in the Commerce Stream, at G.C.E. Advanced Level Examination 2007.
 

Fazil started his primary education form St. John’s College Panadura and joined Prince of Wales College in Grade 4. He passed the Grade 5 scholarship exam with 157 marks. He said when he entered the GCE Advanced Level class he worked hard and continued his studies till early morning.

He added that he concentrated on past papers. He is also a member of under 17 cricket team and took part in the semi final of the Astra Cup Tournament conducted in 2005. Earlier he captained the under 16 division II cricket.

He is the President of the College Commerce Society and is a member of the general knowledge club.

He has also participated in the Zonal English Day competitions and was awarded certificates. He is also the Secretary of the College Leo Club. He was placed third in the Commerce Day Quiz Competition 2006 held at Mahanama College, and has won several prizes at the annual prize giving.

Presently Fazil is following the Chartered Accountancy course.

OSC’s walk for the Wetlands a success

The Overseas School of Colombo held its annual Walk for the Wetlands fund raising drive last Sunday. This annual tradition has been organised by the school and the active parent community (through the Parent Teacher Association) for the last 15 years.
 

In recent years the focus has been on wetlands conservation with a special emphasis on the nearby Talangama Wetlands. This ancient tank is host to an impressive number of birds, animal and plant species and plays a crucial role in the hydrology of the area. It is under threat from nearby construction and contamination from garbage.

This year OSC is taking a global approach linking the fragile state of wetlands to the problem of climate change. The theme of this year’s walk was “Walk for the Wetlands ...Walk for the World”.

The walk is designed to raise awareness about and funds for the protection and conversation of Sri Lanka’s wetland eco systems.

With the help of corporate sponsors Holcim, HSBC and Coca Cola as well as individual donations from walkers this proved to be a successful way to raise funds for an environmental cause.

Last year about Rs. 200,000 was raised for this cause and the children will raise about the same this year with 130 walkers taking part. The Overseas School of Colombo has a long relationship with the Field Ornithology Group of Sri Lanka (FOGS).

The funds have allowed FOGS to produce publications and conduct educational campaigns in Talangama area. In recent years the school community has also been able to support conservation activities by the Galle Naturalists Society at their site, Hiyare reservoir.

Media Day at Mathugama Kannangara College

M.D. Udara LAKSHAN

The Media Day of C.W.W. Kannangara M.M.V. of Mathugama will be held on January 25. It is organised by the Media Unit of the school. ‘Siyapatha - 2008’ will commence at 9.00 a.m at the auditorium. The unit has designed some eyecatching stickers to raise funds for their second successful effort of organising the day.

Special lectures will be delivered by the lecturers from recognised Universities. Media Unit has invited several schools for this.

“The main objective is to create a better mass communication,” a member of the Unit, Supun revealed. “I think this is one of the big events in the area, as we inspire youth on the subject,” he added. This will be a great chance for those who are intersted in media.

Experience of the sunset

Out over the ocean, its waves it lays,
A magnificent orange sphere, as it drops to the sea
With spears descending from the fire.
The magnificent beauty of sunset each day
An exclusive display, for the world to share
Up above clouds, that shadow the light
The rain, the snow, and the elements all that blind
The magnificent glow, that Brightens our world
Another sunset that awaits, just to share its light
Only to share light, so that others may see.

F.R. SUFIYAN, Ikra International School