Govt. gives top priority to sports - Namal

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

COLOURS AWARDS: Government is giving top priority to sports as we have provided Dharmaraja College with a swimming pool and more swimming pools are under construction in Jaffna, the University of Sri Jayawardenapura and also in down South and they will be opened shortly, said the Chairman of the youth organisation ‘Tharuniyata Hetak’ and Hambantota District Parliamentarian and ruggerite Namal Rajapaksa.

He made these observations when he addressed the Colours Award Ceremony of Dharmaraja College, Kandy held at the College Auditorium. He said that sports plays an important role in schoolchildren’s lives. It teaches them teamwork, discipline, leadership and to accept both victory and defeat in the same spirit. This helps them to be responsible citizens later in life. That evening the parents of schoolchildren who have received certificates, colours and trophies will be happy. They will return home with a happy mind. They will be still more happier if their off springs excel in studies too. Therefore you should not neglect your studies while doing sports. You need education to progress in life and contribute towards the development of the country.

He said that he played rugby for his alma mater S. Thomas’ College at all age levels and captained the teams too. He played for the Sri Lanka Youth Team. He played for the Sri Lanka Navy while he continuing his studies. He obtained a degree from a foreign University and studdied law and at present doing his postgraduate studies. He contested the General Elections this year and won his seat and also heads the Tharuniyata Hetak Organisation. This is but nothing time management. You should manage your time to the optimum. You should not waste your time. There is a saying ‘Time and Tide waits no man’. You should take a cue from here.

President Mahinda Rajapaksa gave the leadership to end the 30-year-old terrorist war which at one time looked an impossibility. He has now made this country a safe place to live for everyone. What is required at the moment is development of the country and make the country a comfortable place to live at the same time increase the income of the people. People should co-operate and help in the development of the country in whatever way they could.

Namal Rajapaksa in conclusion said the despite the war, this country had not neglected the development in the past. Flyovers have been constructed, Roads have been developed, Express Highways have been constructed, harbours are under construction, the inland harbour in Hambantota has been completed in record time. Stadiums are being constructed. Infrastructure in many areas are being opened or upgraded, the public transport services have been improved. Therefore the people should be happy over all these and a bright future awaits all.

The Principal of the School M. S. M. Keerthiratne delivered the welcome speech. Certificates, Colours and ‘Dagobas’ were awarded to schoolboys who excelled in sports in the years 2009 and 2010.