A ‘can-do’ spirit takes Sumudu to Korea
View(s):Shaveen Jeewandara travels to a remote village school, Marathugoda Central College, to meet the young student who will represent Sri Lanka at the final of the Asian Games Quiz in 2014
Perched on top of a cosy hillock, blanketed by the morning haze is the Marathugoda Central College – set in the remote village of Pujapitiya in the Central Province. Getting there offers a rambling journey through many a meandering road.
Our journey to Marathugoda Central was in search of 15-year-old Sumudu Rathnakumari, the winner of the’17th Incheon Asian Games Learn Programme’ organised by the National Olympic Committee of Sri Lanka, in collaboration with the Olympic Council of Asia. Sumudu emerged victorious among students from 38 schools and will travel to Incheon, Korea, to take part in the final of the Asian Games Quiz in 2014, – a great victory for a young girl who lives with the burdens of a financially under-privileged household.
Sumudu (extreme right) is thankful to the teachers for encouraging the habit of reading
We canter along a road that winds itself in a twisted knot, passing through areas that have not yet been touched by the wand of development. Arriving at the school we are greeted by the teacher in charge for sports, Anoma Samarakoon. “Apey iskole inna dakshama lamayek,” she tells us Sumudu is one of the brightest students in the school, as she leads the way to her classroom.
A staircase that leads from the main entrance to the classrooms is accompanied by boards on either side that carry positive messages of motivation. The Marathugoda Central is in itself an example to all other schools. The school has clearly done its part to foster a can-do spirit amongst its students.
We are ushered into the Principal’s office as Sumudu arrives with Mrs. Samarakoon, a shy smile on her face. Vice-Principal Gamini Wijeratne is quick to point out that Sumudu has been their prized contestant in quiz competitions in the past few years. “Hama paarama aniwarayen dinananwa” – she always takes the cup.
“I’m fond of reading and the teachers at school always encourage us to read as much
Sumudu: Bright student
as we can. Even though I couldn’t make use of the internet, reading is what gave me the necessary knowledge,” she says.
The event was organised by the National Olympic Committee of Sri Lanka, in collaboration with the Olympic Council of Asia. The ‘Run + Learn’ Programme in Sri Lanka is one event in a series of many taking place around Asia, to promote the 17th Incheon Asian Games in 2014, and popularise the Asian Games Movement among the youth.
The 16th edition of the series held in Kandy saw the students initially taking part in a workshop conducted by Jian Zhou of the Media department of the Olympic Council of Asia at the Dharmaraja College auditorium. Mr. Zhou introduced students to many aspects of journalism including a mock report writing session.
The highlight of the weekend came with the Asian Games Quiz Event with Sumudu bagging the gold, beating students from 38 other schools. “I’m so happy that I won it. I will continue studying and make everyone proud in the final round,” an elated Sumudu said on being declared winner.
Both the Asian Olympic Council and National Committee for Olympic Sri Lanka, were delighted with Sumudu’s win as she demonstrated
Helping out with household chores with other members of the family. Pix by Athula Devapriya
a good knowledge of the Asian Games. B.L.H. Perera, Director of Academic Programmes, proudly stated that, “Today’s result fulfils our objectives of hosting an Asian Games Run + Learn in Kandy rather than in the capital city. Hosting this event in the Central Province increases the value for everyone. We like to see the Olympic Values and ‘Olympism’ spreading to every corner of Sri Lanka, especially to many remote villages.”
“The school has always encouraged the learning environment, that’s something we can be proud of, given the limited resources,” said D. Jayasundera, Principal of the Marathugoda Central. “There are students such as Sumudu who have the potential to make it to the top, not just because she won the competition, but because she displays immense focus and dedication in all her academic work.” It is only right that the school fosters and sharpens her talents.
Sumudu’s humble abode lies a short distance away from the school, and we take the foot path past a thick patch of shrubbery and down a narrow descent. Her mother comes out to greet us with a smile – hospitality is inimitable in this tiny household. Being a Ceylon Transport Board bus driver, her father had been the sole bread-winner up until an unfortunate road accident left him confined to bed. Back on his feet now the family survives on a meagre wage that he earns as a mason.
Sumudu Rathnakumari is one of many bright students in this country who have what it takes to make it to the top, but as always financial hardships make it that much more difficult. Although, with an unwavering focus such as hers, the vistas beneath the hills are clear, for rewards always follow the hard-working.
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