Principals urged to uplift estate education

S. duraisamy Maskeliya corr.

"Progress development and civilisation of a community depends on the education of their people. As far as the community on estates are concerned, the standards of education for them was not up to the standard of the Sinhalese and Muslim counterparts in the country. So it has become the bounden duty of the principals who were promoted to the Sri Lanka Principals Service 2-II, Grade recently to devote their time and energy to ensure a better future and progress for students of Plantation Schools," said S. Arulsamy. Ex-Minister of Education for Central Province.

He was addressing the gathering at a felicitation ceremony for achievers of SLPS 2-II for Hatton Zone and students and teachers for achievers of Grade Five Scholarship Exam this year held at P.M.D. Auditorium, Maskeliya.

S. Arulsamy said "I congratulate the Principals and students who achieved the best results at their interviews and examinations respectively.

I also strongly advise the principals and teachers to render their services for the betterment of students. Today's students are tomorrow's leaders of the country. So, teach them well and bring them as a cultured, civilized and educated community.

He said I had a very good view of students who performed their dances and music on the stage. I observed that the students proved their talents in their performances. It showed that they were capable students. I would say that they should be guided in their lives. Education is the best way for it. I, call upon the principals to render better services.

Arulsamy said during my office as a Minister of Education and CPC councillor, I have rendered vast services to promote the education standards of Plantation Students. The conflict is on in the North and East, but the standard of their Education is not shaken or gone down. Instead it has progressed. Our community has been living in Sri Lanka for more than 187 years, but their standard of education has not improved. It was the reason, that many teachers from our community were selected and sent to India for improvement of skills in education.

He said in the year 2012, there should be 500 students from plantation schools to enter the Universities of the country. I was committed to serve the plantation community because I came from the plantation sector.

So, I call upon everyone to render a better service in the field of education and I am also proud to say that 28 Principals from Hatton Zonal Education were achievers of the SLPS Grade 2-11 recently."

Mrs. S.V.K. Rajalingam, Directress of Hatton Zone and Mrs. P. Veerapathirana, Assistant Directress, in charge for Zone No. 3, (Maskeliya) also spoke.

S. Narendiran, one of the achievers, and teacher attached to St. Joseph's TMV, Maskeliya and Parliament interpreter, was in-charge of the ceremony and proposed the welcome address on behalf of the Principals, and V. Yogarajah, welcomed on behalf of the parents.

There were dances and music by students of St. Joseph's TMV, Masekeliya.