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Sky's the limit

by Chamitha Kuruppu

Lakshitha Piyumsara Wagalath has just turned twenty. At his young age this brilliant lad has reached heights in his studies doing his country proud.

Living in France, Lakshitha has become a popular figure in North City, France following two French newspapers reporting his excellent academic achievements.

Currently studying at Polytechnic Engineering Faculty (Superior School), he recently marked another milestone in his life by being selected as a Controller of Calais, a Border Control Centre that monitors England and French borders.

This youth holds responsibility for all state control affairs regarding immigration and emigration issues between the British Government and the French Government. Lakshitha is one of the few Asian and first Sri Lankan to hold this prestigious position.

Family

Born in Colombo in 1985, Lakshitha is the eldest of three kids. Both his parents Gamini Udayananda Wagalath of Polgahawela and Wesley Chandrika Perera of Dehiwela boast of degrees from the University of Sri Jayawardenapura, but had to flee to France for security reasons during the 1989 violence period.

Although they missed their motherland and loved ones Lakshitha along with his siblings soon adjusted to the lifestyle in France. Considering brilliant academic skills of their three children, Lakshitha's parents decided to obtain citizenship in France and settle-down for good.

Lakshitha soon became a notable student in his school. Every year he managed to get the highest marks beating all his colleagues.

He became the favourite student among his teachers.

At the age of 12 Lakshitha bagged a special award which he secured for two continuous years from the Mayor of Paris for his achievement to be among the best students in Paris.

Not only in education, Lakshitha excelled in sports too. In college, he was well-known for his skills in Table Tennis.

But Lakshitha decided to pick his education as the main priority. He received his primary education at Eugiene De La Roix, Paris 16. However, he was transferred to Lauis Le Grand in Paris 6, one of the best schools in Paris to pursue higher education. In 2003 he managed to be among the best students in the Science Stream in France.

However, destiny has not always been favourable for Lakshitha. Just three hours before Advance Level results were released, Lakshitha's father passed away, not getting an opportunity to witness his son's achievements.

Weeping beside his father's silent body, Lakshitha promised to do his parents proud - from that day onwards this young boy has one ambition and sky is the only limit for his ambitious dreams.

Aspirations

Even with a scattered mentality Lakshitha managed to get qualified for entrance in France's prestigious Engineering institute, the Polytechnic Engineering Faculty (Superior School).

He secured to be the fifth of 69 students qualified to get entrance to the Superior School out of the 600 applicants from around the world.

Founded by former Emperor Napoleon Bonaparte, the Polytechnic Engineering Faculty consists best engineering students in the world.

The faculty produces engineers in various professions such as Scientific Defence Affairs, Nuclear Affairs, Aviation, Nautical, Space and Military Affairs.

Set out

With an ambition to become a Nuclear Scientist, Lakshitha says he very much enjoys working as a Controller of Calais Border Control Centre.

"This position is mostly held by French nationals. There was a big competition for the post with many French and foreign students.

Thanks to my French citizenship I was able to get selected.

I think I am doing proud to my country and my late father by being selected to hold such a prestigious and responsible position," says Lakshitha.

Along with his mother Lakshitha thanks the Government of France for all the support rendered to his family, especially his studies. Lakshitha speaks highly about the 'egalite' policies of the French government.

"If it wasn't for their anti-racism and apartheid policies, I will not be able to achieve any of my victories," says Lakshitha adding "my only hope is to bring pride to my parents and my motherland Sri Lanka.

I will strive to achieve this goal and sky is the only limit".

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