Teachers are the creators of the society - Defence Secretary
February 20, 2022Defence Secretary Gen. Kamal Gunaratne said school teachers are shouldering a lion’s share in creating an intelligent and obedient future student generation for the nation-building process.
“Teachers are the creators of the society”, he said adding “various facets of the society are being created based on your service and the guidance to the students”.
General Gunaratne expressed these remarks while addressing a gathering of teachers and students at the Maharagama President's College today (20).
Defence Secretary was the Chief Guest at the unveiling of ‘Student, Teacher and War Hero Cenotaph’ erected at the school premises and he was received ceremonially by the school cadets on his arrival at the venue.
Remembering the invaluable past sacrifices of fallen war heroes and school teachers of the nation, Chief Guest laid a floral tribute at the war cenotaph during the session.
“This cenotaph denotes the combination and contribution of students, teachers and war veterans to keep the country’s flag flying high,” he said admiring the concept brought forward by the School Principal and sheer commitment of the school’s old boys.
"We have created a hassle-free and peaceful society, a country freed from the clutches of terrorism, for you all to continue your education freely", he stressed addressing the students while recalling all the hardships of wartime.
"In return, it is envisioned that you all will serve this nation, its people and for the betterment of future generations", he went on saying.
President's College Maharagama was established on Feb 18, 1978, as a National School following a proposal of Hon. Premarathne Gunasekara (former Member of the Parliament and a renowned politician in Maharagama) as a solution for the congested nature of regional schools. It was commenced as a mixed school initially.
Principal of the School, Capt. W Wasantha Kumara presented a crafted replica of the war hero cenotaph to the Defence Secretary to symbolise the occasion.
Chief Guest also presented few books authored by him namely ‘Road to Nandikadal’ and ‘Gotabaya’ including Sinhala and English translations and Sinhala versions of ‘Kadol Aththu’,‘Uthara Devi’ and ‘Pathalayoo’, reciprocating the gesture.
Hon. Premarathne Gunasekara, distinguished invitees, retired and serving military officers of the school, teachers, non-academic staffers, old boys and students were also present at the event held while adhering to stipulated healthcare guidelines.
