Ananda instilled sense of national identity, patriotism
Ananda College not only taught us the arts and
sciences but also instilled in us a sense of national identity,
patriotism and pride in our heritage.
Prime Minister Ratnasiri Wickramanayaka, in a message to mark the
ceremony being held to Anandians who contributed to the victory over
terrorism, said Ananda was not just a school, but a cultural inspiration
that moulded patriotic citizens.
The Prime Minister, an Old Anandian, said: “I am particularly pleased
to issue this message, because two of the Armed Forces are led by
Anandians and the Defence Secretary is also an Anandian. And I too am an
Anandian.
Ananda College not only taught us the arts and sciences but also
instilled in us a sense of national identity, patriotism and pride in
our heritage.
Ananda was not just a school, it was a fountain of cultural
inspiration. This is not to say that our Armed Forces are composed
entirely of Anandians but to pay tribute to an institution that produced
many of the leadership, while duly paying tribute to all our brave
soldiers, sailors and airmen and other services who delivered our
Motherland from the scourge of terrorism.
Most of the men in other ranks in our Armed Forces are from the rural
backwoods of our country. And they have inherent in them the culture of
the country inborn through many generations.
Their mettle was proved by their victory against what has been
internationally recognized as the world’s deadliest and most brutal
terrorist organization. These sons of the soil have won peace and
security for ourselves and our future generations. We owe them much. And
it is our duty now to honour those who fought and died for us as much as
we honour those who fought and live with us in peace and dignity ....
I salute them all.” |