Sujathas' contribution to English education

by Rupa BANDUWARDENA

The declaration of 2009 as `The Year of English and Information Technology' by President Mahinda Rajapaksa is a most welcome and timely measure regarding the future of this paradise island pertaining to literacy in English, and urgent need and a burning issue in the society at large. It is with pride that I recall the remarkable contribution made by one of the well renowned long-standing institutions in Colombo, presently at Nugegoda. It is none other than Sujatha Vidyalaya which has made a speedy advance in this sphere since its very proud beginnings. They were the pioneers in English medium education. Sujatha Vidyalaya was the first among private schools to introduce English education that marked its commitment towards the well-being of the future girls of our country headed by a very gracious lady.

Important role

Since its inception Sujatha Vidyalaya was in Colombo in several places, Bullers Road, Queens and Jaya Roads etc., until it was shifted to Nugegoda and brought under one roof. It was a magnificent seat of learning unparalleled in Colombo at the time when international schools were unheard of. With its wonderful beginnings under the founder, the late Linton Kuruppu and the first principal late Mrs. Clara Motwani, Sujatha was playing a very important role in English medium education. Their combined effort provided leadership in the educational arena, to Sujatha which soon emerged as a model private school in Sri Lanka giving due place to English.

Late Clara Motwani and late Linton Kuruppu

Mrs. Motwani having served the prestigious schools like Visakha, Musaeus and Buddhist Ladies, gaining a wealth of experience, as a leading principal figured very prominently when she came last to Sujatha at the invitation of the late founder. She was the Queen of Sujatha when it was at Queens Road and it was under her that Sujathians first dipped their pens in the ink pot to write English. She remained at Sujatha for 23 years till she retired.

It was during her stay at Sujatha that she was awarded the title of Deshabandu and still later, Zanta Club Award in recognition of her services to education. Mrs. Motwani, the correct choice of the late Managing Director supported him at every turn in building up the school.

The tradition Sujatha inherited was further developed by the professionally qualified young Managing Director Lakshman Kuruppu, the son of the late founder. Giving up his career to devote his attention to Sujatha he took over its management to fill the void created by the demise of his father. There has been a tremendous improvement.

Efficiency

Today, Sujatha has been blessed with colossal achievements one after another in the sphere of education. Efficiency has become the key word and Sujatha today is mainly for the intellectual and the selective. Aiming at the idea of perfection, he dreams of providing the best, to meet the challenges of the global era. The pathway to his triumph is solely due to his guidance, dedication and methodical way of doing things which is no exaggeration.

He has a clear vision and his first task was to address the issue of space. The expansion program included the construction of storeyed buildings. One can marvel at the new highrises all round. This will be quite a surprise for those who have seen Sujatha few years ago. His massive contribution towards the progress of English commenced with his bold decision to pioneer. The introduction of English medium local syllabus.

Training program

This is the stepping stone to our success, though many schools have now begun this, the birth of the concept was given by us", said Mr. Kuruppu. He had identified the problem - the shortage of suitable teachers in the English medium islandwide. The problem was dealt with the introduction of a training program for teachers in the English medium.

Hence in 1998, the Academy of Professional Studies was formed, to offer Professional Diploma and Certificate Courses, Teacher Training, Information and Communication Technology. Today Sujatha has become a place where young minds seek excellence. With this massive contribution Sujatha has marvellously excelled in the sphere of English education.

Any account about Sujatha will not be complete without mention of APS - the brainchild, the outcome of his vision, far-sighted planning and hardwork of the Managing Director. APS, the only institution in this part of Colombo to offer this kind of education (English) of superior quality, meant to improve the quality of English in the country, is a unique achievement of his. It was a proud historic and a memorable event for APS when it held its first convocation of trained teachers at the BMICH heralding a new era for Sujatha Vidyalaya.

Lakshman Kuruppu who welcomed the distinguished gathering was delighted to say that "APS, a true place of learning, has reached a landmark in the field of teacher training in Sri Lanka. We started English medium six years ago. Our target is 120 every year. My philosophy is not to blame anyone. The time has come for us to do what we can do. Don't blame the Government or the policy-makers. Try to upkeep our reputation, that we are clever and smart and we can offer our best services to the world."

Future

The chief guest Terry J. White, Counsellor for Education and Cultural Affairs, the Embassy of USA made a sincere effort to convey the importance of the event, emphasising that the strengthening of English language education is vital to the future of Sri Lanka. He said it is hard to imagine a more useful and far-reaching thing you can do to help Sri Lanka's youth prepare to compete than to improve their English language skills and thanked the Managing Director for his genuine effort in this sphere.

He further said, though most Sri Lankans labelled it as the langauge of the Imperial oppresses it is the most widely spoken language which links the whole world together.

The key to success is the high confidence placed on teaching and the Sri Lankans should utilise the opportunities provided by the APS. Still another important milestone on the road to success was the winning of the TOYP Award for Academic leadership in 2006 - the best tribute for this educationist of exceptional calibre.