John Keells English Day 2009

English Day 2009 - the latest event to felicitate the John Keells English language scholars from across the island - was held on Friday at the Bishop's College auditorium, Colombo 3. The scholars displayed their talents in drama, poetry recitation, debates and speeches, while over 150 students also received certificates for the course they had completed in November 2008.

The Chief Guest at the event was Lalith Weeratunga, Secretary to the Presiden while the guests of honour were Susantha Ratnayake, Chairman, John Keells Holdings PLC and R.I.T. Alles, founder of the Gateway Group.

It was organised by John Keells Social Responsibility Foundation (JKSRF) in collaboration with the Gateway Language Centre.

Among the highlights of the program were 'Get up and bar the door' (a play), 'Extremely naughty children' (a choral recitation) and a debate by the Ratnapura, Kalutara and Anuradhapura branches.

Weeratunga stressed the need for Sri Lankans of the present day and age to be not just bilingual but trilingual and encouraged the youth to have the confidence to speak and communicate in English.

Referring to the fact that, 69 percent of candidates had failed the English paper at the GCE (Ordinary Level) examination held in December 2008, he said that he was greatly heartened to see initiatives such as the English Language Scholarship Program of JKSRF making a genuine effort to further improve English education in the country.

He congratulated John Keells for their commitment and passion in this respect.

Conceptualised by the JKSRF, the scholarship program was launched in 2004 with the objective of enhancing English language skills of schoolchildren and youth across the island and consequently, improving their opportunities for higher learning and sustainable employment in the modern age.