Appreciation and motivation ceremony at Amarasiri Padmaperuma Kanishta Vidyalaya, Arukwatte, Padukka

 

It was a great honour and a personal privilege to attend the appreciation and motivation ceremony at Amarasiri Padmaperuma Kanishta Vidyalaya, Arukwatte, Padukka, as the Chief Guest.

The event recognized the students who successfully passed last year's Grade 5 Scholarship Examination while encouraging those who will be sitting for this year's examination.

In my address, I emphasized that success is built through consistent learning, perseverance, and self-discipline. I also shared the importance of developing essential life skills, good values, and character, which are equally important in becoming responsible and productive citizens. Drawing from my own experiences, I spoke about my early education in rural schools before continuing my studies at larger schools in the town, illustrating that one's beginnings need not limit one's future achievements.

It was truly heartwarming to witness the students' accomplishments, their enthusiasm for learning, and their determination to build a brighter future. Their aspirations, together with the dedication of their teachers and parents, give great confidence for the years ahead.

The occasion was especially meaningful to me because the school bears the name of my late father, Amarasiri Padmaperuma, a pioneering and visionary community leader who played a key role in establishing the school nearly seventy years ago. Seeing generations of young learners continue to benefit from the foundation he helped create was both inspiring and deeply moving.