Lanka stands in solidarity with Malala Yousafzai

Mahinda P Liyanage, Galle Daily News correspondent

A campaign to join millions of people around the globe, standing in solidarity with Malala Yousafzai, the Pakistani teenage campaigner for women rights and education for girls, who survived an assassination attempt by the Taliban in Pakistan, was launched at the Muslim Girls' College in Galle.

Ven Dr Baddegama Samitha Thera addressing parents of Galle Muslim Ladies College

It was organised by Southern Province Councillor Ven Dr Baddegama Samitha Thera.

Students of Galle Muslim Ladies College place their signature on the get-well card in the presence of Ven Dr Baddegama Samitha Thera, the initiator of the campaign. Pictures by Mahinda P Liyanage, Galle Daily News correspondent

It is planned to collect 10,000 signatures of schoolchildren in the Galle district initially and later in other districts, organisers said.

Under the campaign, schoolchildren signed a get-well signature card through which they wished for Malala's recovery. She is receiving treatment at Queen Elizabeth Hospital in Birmingham, London following gun shot injuries.

The signatories also urge the world community to crusade for Malala to be awarded the Nobel Prize in recognition of her mission to secure the girls' right for education.

Malala was shot in the head by an extremist Taliban group in a school bus on October 9 while on her way home from school in Swat Valley city of Mingora in the Northern Pakistan, claiming she promoted the so-called Western thinking and secularism. Ven Dr Baddegama Samitha Thera told the media that the campaign of collecting signatures from schoolchildren was endorsed by Southern Province Education director Kithsiri Liyanagamage.

He said it will be taken to other schools in the Galle district and thereafter to Matara and Hambantota districts.

He thanked parents, teachers and students led by Muslim Ladies' College Principal M Yehiya for their support towards the success of the campaign.

Ven Samitha thera urged all Sri Lankans to join the international community in raising voice in support of the world's student and activist for girls' right for education.

Before the launch of the campaign, a meeting of parents of Galle Muslim Ladies College was held at the school premises under the patronage of Ven Dr Badegama Samitha Thera.