Don't be disillusioned by failure - Minister Dullas

by Priyan DE SILVA - Matara Sports Cor.

Minister of Youth Affairs and Skills Development Dullas Alahapperuma said that nobody should be branded as a failure.

Only 21,000 of the 342,000 students who enter grade one each year gain entrance to universities. The others drop out of school at various stages failing in an examination does not mean failing in life. A person who falls in one field may excel in another.

He was addressing media personnel at the Hotel School of the National Vocational Training Institute at Ahangama.

As Minister of Youth Affairs and Skills Development he has been given the responsibility of ensuring that youth in the country harness their skills in some profession and are capable of performing their duty. Our ancestors were skilled craftsmen and professionals. The major irrigation works, stupas and buildings stand out as evidence. It is our duty to bequeath our heritage to posterity.

Head of the Department of Aesthetic Studies of the National Education Institute musician Sudath Samarasingha enthralled the audience with his rendition of songs of yesteryear. We should retain our identity, culture and heritage at any costs.

Dramatist Wilson Gunerathna presented three skits. Assistant Secretary, Ministry of Health, Sarath Chandrasiri, Editorial Director of the Associated Newspapers of Ceylon Limited Seelarathna Senarath, Assistant Director, Rupavahini Corperation, Nilar N. Cassim and Media Secretary to the Minister of Youth Affairs and Skills Development Nimal Weerathunga also spoke.

Minister Alahapperuma presented HSUDA modems, mobile connections and flash drives. Arrangements were also made to provide laptop computers under a consessional loan scheme through the SANASA Development Bank.