Free education for all

The diamond jubilee celebrations of Joseph Vaz College, Wennappuwa was held on a grand scale with President Mahinda Rajapaksa as Chief Guest, last Tuesday.

Rt. Rev. Dr. Valance Mendis presided over the event with a large and distinguished gathering of past students. When President Mahinda Rajapaksa delivered his keynote address, the audience listened to it as if from a great teacher, rather than the leader of the country.

President Rajapaksa while referring to the past history of Joseph Vaz College, also spoke elaborately on the educational history of Sri Lanka.Paying tribute to the Father of Free Education the President said that even Dr. C. W. W. Kannangara had his education in denominational schools including Richmond College, Galle.

He said he too had his education at Richmond College, Galle. The President said that the Government has ensured the right to free education for all children irrespective of race or religion.

Tracing the history of Joseph Vaz, College the President paid a glowing tribute to Blessed Joseph Vaz, stating that he served the catholic community oppressed by the Dutch.Blessed "Joseph Vaz did not expect any honours or comforts in serving the people. He rendered selfless service to the catholic community despite the obstacles he faced" The President said. Speaking on the beginning of the modern educational system the President reminded that the modern educational methods got rooted in Jaffna through the educational institutions launched by the Catholic church.

He also regretted that due to terrorist activities during the part 30 years the educational system that existed in the North and East suffered setbacks.While assuring the stability of the free education in the country President said that his Government would not reduce free education at all."We will have a national school in every Divisional Secretariat division. We want to handover a united country to free thinking citizens. We expect you to study well." he said.