Namal Rajapaksa urges parents to encourage children to sports

by S.M. Jiffrey ABDEEN - Kandy Sports Corr.

SPORTS A MUST: President Mahinda Rajapaksa has given top priority for the development of sports and sports infrastructure and sports stadia conforming to international standards. Stadiums are being constructed at Tissamaharama, Homagama, Digana and Pallekelle cricket stadium where World Cup matches could be staged said the President of the ‘Tharunyata Hetak’ Movement Namal Rajapakse.

He made these observations at the Colours Award ceremony of St. Anthony’s Girls’s College, Kandy, as the Chief Guest.

Speaking in lighter vein, he said that his first love was rugby and the first time he qualified to receive his colours at the age of 16 at his alma mater S.Thomas’ College, Mount Lavinia. The G.C.E. Ordinary Level Examination was also around the corner at this time and he had to lay off from rugby for about three weeks to concentrate on studies which is an essential factor. When the day of the Colours Awards ceremony came, he did not have a blazer. So he took the biggest blazer owned by his father and wore it to the ceremony. This was also the biggest blazer that day.

He said that Principal of the school made a request for funds to complete the school playgrounds and at this juncture he is unable to commit as to what extent the assistance could be made but gave an assurance that financial assistance will be provided for this project and he was hopeful that this school will be able to produce athletes of international standard.

He said that his parents were a great source of inspiration and encouragement to him and his two brothers. He owes his success in the sports sphere to them. They followed them wherever they played, like a shadow despite their busy schedule. The other parents should also take a cue from their example and guide their children. Like they accompany them to the tuition classes, they should also accompany them when they go for sports activities and look into their needs. He said like studies, children should also take to sports as it teaches them qualities of leadership and accept both victory and defeat in the same vein. It also inculcates team work which is an essential need in society for the creation of responsible citizens. It also creates healthy individuals and brings out in born talent in them. Both sports and studies must go together and therefore the parents must encourage their children to take to sports.

He said that school life are the best days in a persons life. They are golden moments which must be treasured. The life you lead at school and friends are the best days and once you leave school, these days will never comeback. Above all it moulds the character and puts forth into society individuals who will be responsible citizens of the country.

He said that participation in sports by him and his two brothers has helped them to go into public life without any fear and play a responsible role. Therefore he urged the parents to encourage their children to participate in sports and produce complete citizens who will be useful to the society and excel in their own chosen fields.

In conclusion Rajapakse said that terrorism has been defeated and the fears of the people have been removed. Let us march forward for the development of this country. Let us stand together under one flag as united Sri Lanka and make this country a better place to live.

The Principal of St.Anthony’s Girls College, Kandy Mrs. Pathma Lekamge said that Namal Rajapakse is one of the greatest ruggerites to come out of the portals of S.Thomas’ College, Mount Lavinia and he has represented and captained the school, played for Navy and the Sri Lanka Youth team. Despite his busy schedules, he has magnanimously agreed to be present on this occasion which has no doubt glittered it. It is a honour to have him as our chief guest.