English as a third language
 Listening
to professor J. B. Disanayaka is always a valuable learning experience.
The other day he addressed the year Five High Flyers (that's how CTC Eagle
calls the winners of Eagle Higher Education Scholarships - those who score
the highest marks in each district at an Year Five scholarship exam) on
how they should mould their lives.
It was a simple lesson to face the challenges of the future - a very
valuable piece of advice coming from a seasoned university don.
"Be intelligent to make the right decision," JB told the audience.
"Communicate what you want to convey using the language properly.
Get your identity from your language."
He emphasized the need to learn a third language (in addition to Sinhala
& Tamil) to reach the global village. It can be English or any other
institutional language. But he warned, "learn English not as an ornament
but as a gateway to knowledge."
The way technology is moving, computer literacy has become a 'must'.
He felt it's time every school had a computer.
"You have a right to technological know-how" he told the young
ones.
"While gaining knowledge, learn to appreciate creativity. Take
an interest in drama, literature and other arts - develop an interest in
aesthetic sense," he advised.
Knowledge alone is not sufficient. Develop human qualities. "We
have a heart, a mind, a conscience. Be a good man. Build on the quality
that transforms you into a good human being - Wisdom".
To the mixed audience at the SLFI - students, parents, teachers and
Eagle staff - JB's address was a most interesting practical lesson. More
of such illuminating talks will do a world of good to the growing generation.
Enhancing knowledge
The Eagle scholarship presentation ceremony itself
was a learning experience. It was an exercise to promote knowledge. The
invitees included a little over a hundred students, all of whom had won
scholarships over the past five years. It was their day.
An essay competition had been organised for the past winners. There
were two prizes for the best essays - one in Sinhala and the other in Tamil.
The winner of the Sinhala award happened to be the son of a soldier
who had died in action. The audience paid him a tribute with a minute's
silence - a gesture everybody appreciated.
Then there was a quiz. Two groups were formed and they shared their
knowledge through the quiz. A word game also helped to test their knowledge.
Creative talent of the winners was recognized through a mini exhibition.
In addition to their creative work, certificates won by them for numerous
school activities, photographs and trophies were displayed. Among them
was a short story published by an eight-year old with commendation by the
Director of Education.
The day also marked the launch of the Eagle Flyers' Club intended to
build up friendship and cordiality among the winners. They took a pledge
to interact among themselves enhancing knowledge, skills and leadership
qualities and ultimately to be good citizens for the motherland.
A TV Magazine
Over 12 million viewers watch TV programmes on
seven channels using an estimated 1.8 million sets. What do they watch?
Do they watch programmes that they would like to see or merely watch
anything that is dished out by the channels? A platform to discuss these
and other issues related to TV is the objective of the recently launched
'TV Sri Lanka', a monthly publication.
It is the first publication by the Sirasa Publications with the innovative
and dynamic director of the highly successful Sirasa Radio, Nimal Laxapathiarachchi
as Consultant Editor.
Basically a Sinhala magazine, the inaugural issue devotes a few pages
to English too.
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