Army assists Jaffna students

Ananda Pathiraja- North Central Province

Among various welfare measures launched by the Security Forces, Jaffna (SF-J) to revive its former glory, Jaffna children’s education is a major concern.

With the guidance of Commander SF-J Major General Mahinda Hathurusinghe, various projects such as award of scholarships, distributing books and school items to students and their schools, educational tours and sports activities are regularly organized by the troops in Jaffna.

In the same way, 51, 52 and 55 Divisions with coordination by their Civil Affairs Offices and Jaffna education authorities, organized a series of seminars for GCE O/L school candidates sitting their examination this month.

The first seminar of the series was held by the 511 Brigade on November 19 at three centres, J/Kopay Christian School, J/Puttur Sri Somaskantha School and Urumpirai Hindu College. Commander SF-J, principals and senior officers of the Education Department attended the inauguration ceremony at J/Puttur Sri Somaskantha School. Guest lecturers conducted lectures on science and mathematics for 1,600 students.

Similarly, 512 and 513 Brigades conducted science and mathematics seminars for 2,002 students at J/Ramanathan Vidyalaya, J/Santhilippay Hindu Vidyalaya, J/Vadukkoddai Jaffna College, J/Velanai Maha Vidyalaya, J/Kayts St Anthony’s College and J/Punguduthivu Maha Vidyalaya on Saturday 26th. Meanwhile, 521, 522 and 523 Brigades organized seminars for students in the 52 Division area on November 20 and 27 at J/Nelliady Central College, J/Point Pedro Methodist Girls’ College, J/Ampan Vidyalaya, J/Thirunakaran Maha Vidyalaya, J/Chavakachcheri Hindu Vidyalaya and J/Kathady Muthukumaraswamy Vidyalaya where 2,206 students were present to revise their knowledge on mathematics and science.

At the same time, 214 students in Pallai area and 482 students in Thelippalai and Kadduvan areas attended fresh O/L seminars organized by the 552 and 515 Brigades at Kili/Pallai Central College and J/Thelippalai Mahajana College on November 20 and 22.

In addition to necessary printed materials. Army provided meals and refreshments to all participants.

According to V T Selvarathnam, Deputy Secretary Northern Province Education Ministry 151,88 school candidates and 9,663 private candidates in Jaffna are sitting the GCE O/L examination at 178 examination centres coordinated by 26 coordinating centres this year.