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Sunday, 18 September 2016

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John Keells: English Day 2016

"Education is power, it gives you the ability to stand out.":

The John Keells English Day was held at the Bishop's College auditorium recently. It provided a platform for the John Keells English scholars to showcase their talents through performance of various items, build self-confidence and interact with students from various parts of the country. The chief guest was retired Supreme Court Judge Shiranee Tilakawardane and senior management of the John Keells Group and the Gateway Language Centre.

Since the project's inception in 2004, more than 12,500 school-children and youths have been empowered through this initiative which is aimed at enhancing English Language skills of school children and youths from socially/ economically disadvantaged backgrounds throughout the island towards improving their opportunities for higher learning and sustainable employment.

Owned and managed by the John Keells Foundation and implemented through the Gateway the Language Centre, the John Keells English Language Scholarship Program has sponsored a range of scholarship programs over the years with its current focus being the 'English for Teens' courses comprising foundation, pre-intermediate and intermediate levels.

The event featured drama performances and poetry recitals from students from various backgrounds, religions and races. It was a wonderful gathering of children expressing themselves in the form of performing arts. Speaking at the event, the chief guest, Justice Shiranee Tilakawardane said "Education is power, it gives you the ability to stand out. This English Language Scholarship Program not only focuses on theoretical knowledge but also practical aspects and it is wonderful to witness the confidence and pride showcased by these children on stage."

The best 10 items out of the 21 branches were selected through a first round of judging to participate in the English Day, enabling children from various parts of the country including Panadura, Ampara, Jaffna, Negombo, Kurunegala, Bandarawela, Kandy, Batticaloa, Matara and Ratnapura to celebrate their progress and development after completing the course. A special performance was made by scholars of the Chavakachcheri branch, who though not qualifying for the competition, were recognized for their hardwork and commitment.

The children acted out scenes from well-known stories and recited popular poems. Apart from performance the audience was also given the opportunity to witness children from diverse and disadvantaged backgrounds coming together, boosting their confidence, and building bridges of friendship and goodwill. The level of enthusiasm and energy of the students on stage was a remarkable sign of their new-found confidence and ability.

Speaking at the occasion, Nadija Tambiah, Head of CSR, John Keells Foundation said. "As a key stakeholder in Sri Lanka's economy, the John Keells Group believes it has a key role to play in partnering the development of Sri Lanka into the future.

The performances were judged by Sashi Mendis, Associate of the Trinity College London in Performance and the owner of a drama school, Aroshie Jayasinghe, the head of Gateway School of Speech and Drama and the head of the local wing of LAMDA Examinations, Sri Lanka and Hans Billimoria, Theatre Producer, Director and actor, and Director of The Grassrooted Trust, working on issues related to gender based and intimate partner violence in Sri Lanka.

The Best Performer's Trophy was jointly awarded to T. H. Navodi Sapna Malshani of the Ampara branch and R.G.S. Kavishka Jayawardhana of the Kurunegala branch.

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