Pragmatic and intellectual educationist

A Godwin de Alwis President Pragna Study Circle Dehiwala

Had his life not been snatched away by an unseen cruel hand, Lalith Athulathmudali would have been 74 years today (November 26, 2010). The intention of this memoir is to highlight the invaluable contributions he made to education in Sri Lanka. As Trade and Shipping Minister in the Cabinet of President J R Jayewardene, Lalith was able to introduce revolutionary changes in the Trade and Shipping sectors. An intellect-par-excellence, Lalith was able to bridge Trade and Education for the benefit of consumers and student populace.

The Maha Pola Scholarship Scheme, the brainchild of Lalith opened the doors to the intelligent but economically backward students for University education. Today 90 percent of the students who enter the Universities are benefited by the Maha Pola Scholarship Trust Fund.

Lalith was responsible for having introduced a program to conduct English Langauge classes free of charge for the benefit of students of GCE (O/L) classes. A textbook titled 'A Revision course in English for the GCE (O/L) examination' authored by educational experts were distributed free of charge among students to improve the knowledge of English.

The writer as Pragna Study Circle Dehiwala, President was able to conduct English language classes at the Dharmendraramaya, Mt. Lavinia with the blessings of Lalith for the benefit of the children who are from economically backward families.

Having recognized our dedication and commitment he advised us to set-up a library for the benefit of the students. Accordingly PSC took positive and immediate steps to set up a library and it was opened by Lalith on November 26, 1985 to coincide with his 67th birthday. The country is poorer with the untimely demise of Lalith, a leader with multifaceted talents.