Thurstan College prize day:
‘Schools help mould successful citizens’
Chaminda PERERA
President Mahinda Rajapaksa yesterday said that schools play a
pivotal role in moulding a successful citizen. He added that all
successful citizens are proud of their Alma Mater which helped them to
ascend to the top rung of society.
President Rajapaksa said that the genesis of one’s success is sown in
school. The President said that schools help unearth latent talents and
creative abilities of students.
Thisura Randula Madurapperuma who became the best student
for 2010 receives his award from President Mahinda Rajapaksa.
Picture by Sudath Silva |
“Successful citizens are proud of their country in which they were
born and bred and their school,” he added. The President was speaking at
the annual prize giving of his Alma Mater, Thurstan College, Colombo
yesterday. Students of Thurstan College , Colombo who showed exceptional
performances in 2007, 2008, 2009 and 2010 were recognized on this
occasion.
Yashas Sri Bandara Bhupathi Kahathuduwa, Yohan Champathi Thennakoon,
Thisura Randula Madurapperuma who became the best student for 2008, 2009
and 2010 received their trophies from the President.
President Rajapaksa received a special memento from Thurstan
Principal Y A N D Yapa. The members of academic staff who showed a great
commitment also received awards from the President.
He said that the students hardly recognize the importance of their
school till they leave it. “They are not mature enough to understand the
value of their school and the teachers.”
“The experience we receive from schools should be made use for our
success,” he added. President Rajapaksa was of the view that Thurstan
College established in 1950 was on par with other leading schools in
Colombo due to the dedication and the commitment of staff, parents and
students. He added that he was fortunate to have associated with reputed
teachers at Thurstan College who represented many fields.
President Rajapaksa added that parents have a responsibility of
moulding their children who will not hate society.
Education Minister Bandula Gunawardena and Petroleum Resources
Minister Susil Premajayantha were also present. |