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.”