Secretary felicitated at his Alma Mater
January 24, 2019The Secretary to the Ministry of Defence, Mr. Hemasiri Fernando was accorded a grand felicitation by the Old Boys' Association of Nalanda College, Colombo on Monday (21 January). The Secretary was received by the President of the Ranaviru Association of the Nalanda College OBA, Commander of the Air Force, Air Marshal Kapila Jayampathy and school officials upon his arrival at the school, this morning.
Subsequently, the Secretary visited the War Hero monument at the school and made floral tribute. Later, he was also accorded a Guard of Honour by the school's Cadet Platoon. A large number of old Nalandian tri forces and police personnel, both serving and retired attended the felicitation ceremony held in order to honour an illustrious past student of one of the prestigious schools in the country.
Making a brief speech, the Secretary recalled the nostalgic memories of his time at the school and of the great services rendered by the school in providing an all-round education to the younger generation. He paid gratitude to the services and sacrifices made by the War Heroes to usher in an era of peace in the country.
While recollecting the services of the teachers during his days at school who took pains to encourage their charges to gain a proper education coupled with extra and co- curricular activities, he said that such a complete education enabled the students to face challenges with confidence and succeed in every sphere of their lives. While emphasizing the importance of the present student generation to obtain such an education, he said that it is pertinent that students give importance to extra-curricular activities while at school. He also called upon the students of the school to serve the nation with commitment and loyalty.
A special souvenir was presented to the Secretary as a token of appreciation during the ceremony.
The Secretary also made it a point to visit the school premises soon after the ceremony.
Members of the Maha Sangha, Principal, old Nalandians, members of the school staff and large number of students were also present at the occasion.
