A fully equipped modern library was officially handed over to D.B. Welagedara Central College in Kurunegala yesterday (18), under the leadership of the President’s Secretary, Mr. Saman Ekanayake.
The library, provided with the guidance of Mr. Ekanayake and the support of the Presidential Secretariat, received financial assistance from the Chinese Embassy in Sri Lanka.
The school, which serves over 2,000 students, now has an extensive collection of books essential for both school education and further studies. In addition, the library is equipped with computers, internet facilities, a television (courtesy of the DP Education Foundation), and other electronic devices that support digital learning.
This library is a valuable resource for students facing various challenges, providing them with enhanced learning opportunities. As part of this initiative, two more school libraries have been developed at Duva Junior College in Negombo and Konkadawala Government College in Navaghattegama. The primary aim of the program is to enhance the knowledge and skills of talented students from across the island, fostering a virtuous and knowledgeable future generation.
Speaking at the handover ceremony, Secretary to the President Mr. Saman Ekanayake emphasized the importance of how individuals contribute to society, regardless of their social status. He stressed that the use of books plays a key role in shaping a promising future generation, and expressed confidence that the students would fully utilize the resources provided.
Additionally, Mr. Ekanayake requested the school principal to allow students from nearby schools to access the library, where possible, ensuring that more students benefit from the facilities.
In his remarks, Mr. Saman Ekanayake reiterated the significance of education in building a brighter future for all.
“It is a great honour for me to be here today. I first came to this school as a student 60 years ago and left 50 years ago. Being part of this event now brings back fond memories. Back then, as a student, I had a deep love for reading. There were some books stored in one of the cupboards, and we would eagerly gather to read them every day. Thanks to Guru Pathiraja, who was in charge of the library at that time, we had the privilege to explore those books. We would often finish reading them within just a few hours.
I studied here up to the General Certificate level (O/L) and later moved to Kurunegala Lakdasa de Mal Vidyalaya for my Advanced Level studies. After being accepted into the University of Peradeniya, I came back to the school to inform the principal, who was still Mr. Pathiraja at the time. I’ll never forget his words: “The sky is the limit.” And indeed, today I can say those words ring true, as there are no limits to what we can achieve.
I also want to acknowledge Mr. Kiribanda, our dance teacher, who didn’t just teach us how to dance but taught us valuable life lessons—how to face challenges and live meaningfully.
I studied here from Grade 3 to Grade 10, and while a school may be just a collection of buildings, within those walls lies the future of our country. It’s for that reason that we’ve helped provide this library, so students can read and gain knowledge. I would also like to request that students from other nearby schools be given the opportunity to use this library from time to time, so they too can benefit from these resources.
I extend my deepest gratitude to the Chinese Ambassador and his staff for their support in making this project a reality. I also encourage all the students here to make the most of this library, read as much as possible, and strive to become good citizens.
What truly matters is not your status, but how you live in society. I trust that all of you will take full advantage of this opportunity and work hard to become responsible, knowledgeable citizens who contribute to our nation.”
Mrs. Deepika K. Gunaratne, General Secretary of the North West Province and the Deputy Ambassador of the Embassy of the Republic of China in Sri Lanka also addressed the gathering.
The principal, teaching staff, retired teachers, students, parents, and local residents participated in this memorable event.
