A momentous occasion

By Ananda Agalakada

It was a nervous moment in their young lives. After studying for so many years and having many sleepless nights in the past, the examination was over, but the results were still to come. When the news broke out on the previous day that results of the G.C.C..(Ordinary Level) examination were to be released , there was excitement as well as worry among the many students who had sat the examination - this being the stepping stone to higher education. Students were so eager that they could have even ripped off the envelopes containing the results.

K.A. Menushika Jayani Kariyawasam, Rathnawalee Balika Vidyalaya, Gampaha (first place)	Thapodha Harindi Gangodawila, Visakha Vidyalaya, Colombo (first place)	M.W. Uchitha Thejan Gunasekara, Rahula Vidyalaya, Matara (second place)	M.Ravin Lasindu Tennekoon, Ananda Vidyalaya, Colombo10 (third place)

The students reached school with a lot of expectation. K. A. Menushika Jayani Kariyawasam of Gampaha Rathnavali Balika Vidyalaya and Thapoda Harindi Gangodavila of Visakha Vidyalaya, Colombo were overjoyed after seeing their GCE Ordinary Level Examination results. They had scored the highest marks in the Ordinary Level Examination in 2013. They were right at the top of the whole island.

They were followed by, M.W.Uchitha Thejan Gunasekara of Matara Rahula College who came second. M. Ravin Lasindu,Thennakoon of Colombo Ananda College mustering the third spot.

Their parents were overjoyed and were emotional because they were aware of the effort these children had put in to secure these slots. It was indeed a heady moment for the students who succeeded.

More surprises awaited them. Before they could even come to terms with their success, there was a telephone call from a distinguished person. This was from non-other than the head of state, President Mahinda Rajapaksa.

The students were thrilled and their joy new no bounds. The first 10 students who excelled in all island were invited to meet the President. They went to Temple Trees with beaming faces. The parents and teachers of the 10 students also joined the group to meet the President.

Jayani entered Minuwangoda Girl's school for her primary education. After passing the Year Five scholarship in school she entered Gampaha Rathnavli to continue her higher studies.

Jayani's mother Mala Mangalika Kumari is a teacher. She was teaching at Minuwangoda Nalanda Vidyalaya and was the Vice Principal. Jayani's father K.A. Gnanasiri was also a teacher at the Balabowa pirivena.

Mala Mangalika Kumari was overjoyed with her daughter's results. She also took pride in explaining how she and her husband had nurtured their daughter. She praised the staff of Rathnavali and appreciated their sacrifice and commitment.

Mala Kumari going back on the past said, that when her daughter was born the nurse who delivered the child on seeing her had predicted that she would achieve great heights. Mala said she was constantly reminded of what the nurse uttered when her little girl was born always given her strength even when they were going through tough at times.

K.A.Gnanasiri Jayani's father said, his daughter was committed and hardworking. She had these habits from an early age and this had helped her pass the Year Five scholarship examination. He said this had been a turning point in his daughter's life as she gained entrance to the renowned Visakha Vidyalaya in Colombo.

My son is also talented but he preferred to continue his studies in Gampaha, our home town he said. According to her father, Jayani went to school almost everyday, even when she was sick. She secured first place in every class from Grade One he said with a broad smile, but we never imagined she would become the first in the country. All the same we never doubted her determination, he said.

Thapoda Harindi Gangodawila was the other student who secured first place in the GCE Ordinary Examination. She entered Visakha in 2007 after securing best results in the Year Five scholarships of Horana Royal National School. Her mother was a teacher in the Morahena Maha Vidyalaya. Her father is working attached to a private company. Thapoda is a bright student among other students. She was a voracious reader. She was fond of dancing and she had won competing in such competitions. She also was a member of the youth parliament and junior quizzed society too. She keen liking towards aesthetics subjects and she is a student of the Horana Institute of Aesthetics Studies.

Uchitha Thejan Gunasekara of Rahula College, Matara who came second told the Sunday Observer that he was sure of himself and had no reason to doubt his ability. He said he had cultivated the practice of finishing whatever assignment he was given on the same day itself. This practice he says had enabled him to work more leisurely without putting in late hours at the last minute.Uchitha had entered Thelijjawila Royal College for his primary education by obtaining 192 marks in the Year Five scholarship examination. He secured first place in it in the Matara District. Later Uchitha entered Matara Rahula College to continue his higher studies.

Uchitha said that he was not unduly bothered about the examination, but he attended tuition classes to improve his knowledge. Nimal Dasanayaka. Rahula College and staff gave him all the support he needed. He wants to be a doctor.

Nihal Gunasekare Uchitha's father is a businessman. Chatura's mother Nelum Ranaweera is a teacher at Thelijjavila Royal College. Chathura is the only child in the family. Chathura said he always studied by himself. His parents encouraged him to pursue his education. Chathura said he also played cricket and watched TV when he got free time. Chathura however went to bed by 10 pm. and wakes up at five in the morning.

Gavin Lashing Thenceforth came third. He is a student of Amanda College, Colombo. After obtaining good results in the Year Five scholarship examination from Mahanama Vidyalaya, Colombo he entered Ananda College for higher studies. Lasindu paid attention to home work. He did not waste time even during school holidays. He leisurely faced the GCE Ordinary Level examination.

Lasindu is a swimming champion. He resided in Nugegoda Delkanda and was a president of the children society in his village. He said, while he was studying his parents and brother did not sleep. They also stayed awake with him. The principal and teachers expected me to do well and they helped me to pass this examination. Lasindu hopes to study Bio Science. Lasindu's mother Mangalika Thennakoon said that her son always took right decisions after analysing many things.