The prize giving of "The Light of Asia" Contest 2009 conducted by the Colombo YMBA was held on Saturday, August 22 at the Main Hall of the Colombo YMBA, Borella. President of the Colombo YMBA Prasanna Goonetilleke, delivered the welcome address. Professor of Paediatrics, Faculty of Medical Sciences of the University of Sri Jayawardenapura Prof. Narada Warnasuriya graced the occasion as Chief Guest and gave away the prizes.
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| Overall winner Sandamini Ethkada of Lyceum International School, Nugegoda receiving the D.N. W. De Silva Memorial Trophy from the chief guest, Prof. Narada Warnasuriya |
"The Light of Asia" Contest was inaugurated by the late D.N.W. De Silva in 1925 to develop oratorical skills in English and inculcate Buddhist values among the younger generation.
This year's overall winner, Ms. C.M. Sandamini Ethakade of Lyceum International School, Nugegoda won the D.N.W. De Silva Memorial Trophy donated by Sidat Sri Nandalochana. She was also awarded a cash prize of Rs. 25,000. All winners of 12 groups were awarded additional cash prizes.
Prof. Warnasuriya in his speech emphasized the importance of being able to communicate not only in the mother-tongue, but also in an international language such as English. He was impressed, he said, by the high standard of performance of the finalists and that this contest was secular so that the children of other faiths also could take part.
The panel of judges for the finals comprised Lakmini Nanayakkara, Nirmali Goonetilleke and Gayathri Manatunga. |
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