Prizes for Grade V Scholarship failures:

Don't discourage scholarship failures, says Thera

M. A. R. Manukulasooriya- Hiriyala group correspondent

Students who fail exams should never be discouraged. Instead they should be encouraged so that they will do well in the future, Sri Bodhimalu Viharaya, Kumbukwewa Chief Incumbent Ven. Ragama Sugathananda Thera said.

"Certain parents as well as teachers are in the habit of looking down upon students who have failed their examinations. This is a very sad state of affairs," he said.

The Thera was speaking at a special function held at the temple to award prizes to 100 students in the area who had failed their Grade five scholarship examination this year.

Sinhala, Tamil and Muslim students attended this function with their parents.

"In every country only winners are awarded. No one implements a program to encourage the losers.

This practice should be given up," the Thera added.

Thihariye Alhaj Kaleel Moulavi said learning various subjects alone is not sufficient to become a good citizen.

"The highest attainment in the academic field will fail if man becomes spiritually bankrupt. This goal can be achieved through the Daham Pasal education," he added.

The students were provided lunch at the function.