“Learning results in more humane and altruistic conduct in people,” stresses the vision statement of Davisamara Maha Vidyalaya of Seeduwa which is located in the vicinity of the Colombo – Puttalam highway on Kotugoda Road. The school was founded in 1884 by the Rev. Fr. Peter Adolf Davi, the then parish priest of St. Mary’s [...]

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The Sundaytimes Sri Lanka

Davisamara MV Seeduwa gives emphasis to practical education

By Muditha Fonseka
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The Principal Lakshman Wijeratne

“Learning results in more humane and altruistic conduct in people,” stresses the vision statement of Davisamara Maha Vidyalaya of Seeduwa which is located in the vicinity of the Colombo – Puttalam highway on Kotugoda Road. The school was founded in 1884 by the Rev. Fr. Peter Adolf Davi, the then parish priest of St. Mary’s church Seeduwa in a land which belonged to the church which was about 1.5 km away from the current setting. Almost a century later, in the 1980s, it was shifted to a more spacious state property to accommodate the growing student population.

Today, Davisamara functions as a 1AB school with classes from grade 6 to 13. Students have the option of studying in science, arts or commerce stream for the Advanced Level examination. The school body comprising around one thousand students and fifty-six academic staff are headed by the Principal Lakshman Wijeratne, who is the twenty-fourth principal of Davisamara. Wijeratne is thankful to the past principals and all the academic staff whose dedicated service over the long journey of 128 years has paved the way to the present success of the school.

The Vice Principal Mrs. C.K. Waniganetti

The school is rapidly becoming a popular school in the Katana Division. It has been selected for the latest ‘Development of One Thousand Secondary Schools in Sri Lanka- 2012’ programme, a project initiated by the Ministry of Education to provide every child with an equal opportunity to be equipped with global education demands. Davisamara is also the only school in the Katana Division to own a mathematics lab which provides the students with visual and tangible aid to understand the complex mathematical concepts easily. The students from the rest of the schools in the division too are expected to make use of this facility to further their interest and competence in mathematics. “I am much grateful to the Assistant Director Mathematics-Negombo Zone, Mrs. K.A.D.L. Karunanayake for her great enthusiasm in establishing the Math lab in our school,” remarks the Principal.

The School Entrance

Being a believer of practical education, Wijeratne is critical of the current system that breeds generations of ‘certificated youth’ who lack skills, creativity and wisdom to face the challenges of the complex world: “The current education system is in a crisis as it is largely theory-based and focus on issuing certificates while overlooking the practical knowledge and experience gained. We need to bring forth a generation of experienced youth who are practical and able to offer productive solutions in the corporate or state sector, or simply in everyday dealings. Unfortunately, some of our current policymakers too are the products of this unwise system, and that is the very reason why the authorities are unable to introduce a more practical approach to education. As a result, our progress as a nation is greatly hindered.”

Wjeratne’ s disappointment with the current lecture method of teaching that doesn’t allow children and teacher to interact

Mathematics Lesson in Progress

and participate in a dialog, has inspired him to introduce the age old practice of discussion (dialogic) method on an experimental level in his school in the future. He has plans to construct a ‘Sanvada Mandapaya’ – an outdoor stage — under the shade of a tree where students can discuss and debate on related subjects or topics with teachers and expand their knowledge and develop critical thinking. He seriously believes that producing employable youth is the need of the hour.

The winning streak of Davisamara in volleyball in the past decade made them a giant in school volleyball. Winning the Under 17 Boys’ All Island Schools Championship -2012 is the latest achievement they are still savouring. In recognition of their passion for the game, the

The Science Lab

Volleyball Federation of Sri Lanka gifted them an international level volleyball court recently which undoubtedly is the best in the Western Province. “Our students have taken volleyball seriously and Davisamara has become a successful breeding ground for the nation’s budding players. Four of our players represent the touring National Youth Team in Iran at the moment,” explains the inspiring coach Chaminda Lakshman. “We can do much more if the required nutritional and energy needs of the players are adequately met. Unfortunately, the parents are unable to do so due to financial constraints,” emphasises the coach. The late Minister Jeyaraj Fernandopulle is remembered with deep gratitude for the committed support rendered to the game of volleyball at Davisamara.

Blending sports, learning, practice and humanity Wijeratne is fervently engaged in initiating alternative methods and remedial changes to the current structure of education in his own way.

The Western Band




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