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School closed for 11 years conducts Arts festival after reopening in 2012
View(s):The maiden Arts festival of Wijaya Vidyalaya, Yaya, Kuliyapitiya, titled “Wijaya Sisu Rangana Prathiba”, was held recently. Wayamba Provincial Councillor (WPC), Presidential coordinating officer and founder of the school, Athula Wijesinghe was a Chief Guest.
Mr Wijesinghe founded the present school (previously known as Gamini Vidyalaya and kept closed for 11 years), in 2012, when he was WPC Chief Minister and Education Minister.
Mr Wijesinghe donated 100,000 rupees to the school’s Western band which made its inaugural performance at the event.
Speaking on the occasion, Mr Wijesinghe expressed his pleasure at seeing the school’s progress within three years. “We are proud of the principal, teachers and parents who have worked this marvel,” he said.
“During the period the school was closed, there was talk of the buildings being converted into business premises- even rope factories- but fortunately for the community, none of those plans were activated.”
“Much more important than material development is the development of Education. We have to nurture students who will be able to take over the country’s future. We greatly appreciate the creative talents our students have displayed today,” he said.
Mr Wijesinghe presented awards in appreciation of the students’ creative talents, while he in turn was felicitated by Principal Lal Ranasinghe, with a token of gratitude and appreciation from the school development society.
Another Chief Guest, Dharmasiri Dassanayake, Principal Lal Ranasinghe, Vasantha Alagiyavanne and Chaminda Dassanaykae addressed the gathering.