Laughter and lessons: From schoolgoing days to principal
The author autographs a copy of her book. Pix by Indika Handuwala
“You may not find all the answers, but you do find many, many questions,” quipped author Ashok Ferrey talking of the book “It’s the ‘Principal’ of it” at the launch at the Sri Lanka Foundation Institute on March 29.
“It’s the ‘Principal’ of it” is a book by Goolbai Gunasekara, well known educationist and the founder Principal and Director of Asian International School (AIS). The book is a compilation of articles on the educational life of Lankan students and schools. One can expect many a controversial opinion on very topical subjects being discussed in this book. One of the more notable is on tertiary education. Goolbai is critical of the sense of entitlement and ingratitude of undergraduates at state universities in the country and proposes solutions for the current crisis faced by higher education in the country. Unpopular they may be, but Goolbai Gunasekara will unapologetically and uncompromisingly justify those opinions, according to Ashok Ferrey.
Andrew Sisson, the Mission Director of USAID in Sri Lanka, Chief Guest for the event, proclaimed Goolbai Gunasekara a “National Treasure”. Speaking on her book, he praised it as being sharp and concise, and a pleasure to read. He stated that the book helped him understand education in Sri Lanka in its social context and remarked that “Goolbai certainly doesn’t beat around the bush.”
Devin Jinadasa, Senior Prefect at Asian International School, and a published writer himself, read extracts from Goolbai’s book. The extracts were from a range of topics, covering aspects of her time as a school-going teen at Bishop’s College, to her experiences as the Principal of Asian International School (AIS). Refreshingly funny, the reading elicited quite a few laughs from the audience.
Principals of schools, Mrs Rohani Alles, wife of the late R. I. T. Alles (founder of Gateway College), Harsha Perera , the current principal of AIS, and Mr. & Mrs. Khalil, the sponsor of the book, distinguished academics, students and alumni of Asian International School were present at the launch. A Sarasavi publication, “It’s the ‘Principal’ of it” is now available at Sarasavi Bookshops, priced at Rs. 400.
A section of the audience