Grade five scholars

On our cover page today we have Sandaru Sathsara Balahewa of Mahinda College, Galle who emerged first in the Year Five Scholarship examination. He obtained a staggering 198 marks out of 200 which is excellent by an standard. He is the youngest in a family of three. He has two older sisters. "My hobby to read books helped me a lot and I got high marks", he said. He also goes for swimming and tennis. I always read the newspapers and listen to TV news", he said. Sandaru wakes up everyday at 4.30 a.m. and attends to his schoolwork without burdening himself. He was able to cope with the examination because there was no last minute rush. His ambition is to be a medical surgeon. We wish him all the best. Three others emerged a close second. They are Kavindya Gimhani of Subharathi Mahamathya Vidyalaya, Godagama, Heshan Chanuka of Karagasthalawa Vidyalaya, Belihul Oya and Jilani Vidulanka of Bandaranaike Primary School, Hettimulla. They obtained 196 marks just two marks short of the first place. They too have done well for themselves.

The third place went to five students scoring 195 marks which is also excellent. Thamidu Swarna De Silva of Dharamashoka Maha Vidyalaya, Ambalangoda, Shenuka Dulanjana Ariyaprema of Theraputta Kanishta Vidyalaya, Ambalanthota, Nuransi Ronesh Gamage of Vidyalankara Primary School Opanayake , Isuru Kelum Lumara of Assadduma Subharathi primary school, Kuliyapitiya and Sajini Sadisna Wijeratne of Visakha Balika Vidyalaya, Kuliyapitiya . These children have worked hard and emerged winners.

There maybe others too who would have come quite close and secured good gradings. Anyway children must try but don't be disappointed if you have not passed in the examination. Work hard in whichever school you are in and then you will do well because passing examinations is not the end of everything.

Children have to learn a lot more in life such as being obedient, honest and kind-hearted which is very important. Our good wishes go out to all the grade five students who have done well for themselves.