The school motto:

Using dead-languages to motivate the young and restless

'Virtus Et Veritas'

'Appamado Amatha Padan'

'Esto Perpertua'

'Manasa Sanvutha Dheera'

'Gloiri A Dieu Seul'

They come in vibrant colours and various shapes - some with designs and some with plain text. Whatever it may be - they are all designed to serve one important purpose - awaken the hearts of dynamic and aspiring young children.

Students have them in their pockets, belts and some on their tie. School crests should be worn by every school going child. But, ask them what their slogans mean, only a few will dare to know.

Though students wear them daily on uniforms, their Latin or Sanskrit slogans means 'Greek' to them.

It is doubtful how much students could relate to these slogans in Latin and Sanskrit that are designed to inspire them.

"Why do we need to hold onto these two dead languages," query students of a number of leading schools in the country.

Do students have a point here? Do Sri Lankans need to have our school slogans in Sinhala or simple English? Is it true that these two dead languages are failing to inspire the youth as they are expected to do. "Do we need the future generation to be dead and boring like Latin and Sanskrit?" assert students.

"Let alone the language some of the slogans are too harsh to serve its purpose. Why would any school tell her students to learn or depart?" query the students. (CMK)

Special thanks to the Librarian of the Museum Library and the staff for their assistance.

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What is a motto

A motto is a phrase or a short list of words meant to formally describe the general motivation or intention of an entity, social group, or organization. Many countries, cities, universities, and other institutions have mottos, as do families with coats of arms.

According to the Wikipedia Encyclopedia mottos are traditionally written in Latin or Roman languages, as well as in English or German. There are many exceptions: Fraternities and sororities typically have their (usually secret) mottos in the Greek language; in modern heraldry.

In heraldry, a motto is often depicted in an achievement of arms, typically on a scroll below the shield, or else above the crest as in Scots heraldry.

Ships and submarines in the Royal Navy each have a crest and motto, as do units of the Royal Air Force.