Splendour of Sripalee launched

Divakara MOHOTTI Kalutara group corr

The long lasting relations between Sri Lanka and India will be further strengthened during my term of office, said Indian High Commissioner Ashok K. Kantha.

He was addressing a gathering at the launching of the splendour of Sripalee, the Vidyalaya's 75th anniversary publication published by the Sripalee Past Pupils' Association (Colombo branch).

The meeting was held at the Sripalee Vidyalaya auditorium, Horana.

The book was handed over to the Indian High Commissioner by Indira Makuloluwa, a retired teacher of Sripalee and an Indian by birth.

Indian High Commissioner Ashok K Kantha referring to the book said this volume consisting of 500 pages contains 75 years long history of the Sripalee Vidyalaya which reveals the historic background in which this well-known Sripalee Vidyalaya came into existence.

The High Commissioner referred to the important connection between Sri Lanka and India which were connected with the establishment of this noble Educational Institute built by the late Wilmot A Perera, philantrophist and the politician, he said. he also said this institute has produced well-known educationists, scientists, doctors, lawyers, artists and musicians.

He appreciated Sripalee Vidyalaya as an institute which had connections with poet Rabeendranath Tagore. It is evident that the influence of Tagore has rendered value to this institute.

It should also be mentioned that the National anthem of Sri Lanka shows similarity that of Indian national song written by Tagore.

consultant surgeon and Vice President of the Colombo branch of the past pupils association Dr S S Jayaratne said that the great relationship and understanding that existed between poet Rabeendranath Tagore and the founder of this Education Institute Wilmot A. Perera resulted in the establishment of this unique educational institute.

Principal J D V K Jayasinghe, OBA Colombo branch Chairman Nandalal Hettiarachchi and few others also spoke.