There were closed Circuit TV screens installed at many points in the “special hall” which enable the large crowd to see all the “action” at close quarters.
Till the dignitaries arrived there was a Video presentation on the history of Thurstan from 1950 to date.
The President, His Excellency Mahinda Rajapaksa the most Distinguished Old Thurstanite, who was the Chief Guest for the occation arrived around 5.15 PM and he handed over the special prizes for outstanding Students of different subjects. A new feature added was the Presentation of Challenge Trophies with replica’s named after the past Principal’s. This was a project under taken by the ardent Old Boy Asoka Wedage the Functional Secretary of Education of the OBU. Another feature was the re-introduction of the Mudaliyar M N Pieris Memorial Challenge Trophy for the Best All round student. This Trophy was first won by the Distinguish Thurstanite former Civil Servant Deshamanya M D D Pieris way back in 1955 when it was given by his father. He kindly consented to donate this new trophy.
After the Conclusion of the Prize- Giving, the President spent about 45 minutes at a fellowship at the College Lobby.
The new Principal Mr Nihal Yapa and the organising committee should be congratulated on a “JOB WELL DONE”.
President Mahinda Rajapaksa yesterday said that schools play a pivotal role in moulding a successful citizen. He added that all successful citizens are proud of their Alma Mater which helped them to ascend to the top rung of society.
President Rajapaksa said that the genesis of one?s success is sown in school. The President said that schools help unearth latent talents and creative abilities of students.
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?Successful citizens are proud of their country in which they were born and bred and their school,? he added. The President was speaking at the annual prize giving of his Alma Mater, Thurstan College, Colombo yesterday. Students of Thurstan College , Colombo who showed exceptional performances in 2007, 2008, 2009 and 2010 were recognized on this occasion.
Yashas Sri Bandara Bhupathi Kahathuduwa, Yohan Champathi Thennakoon, Thisura Randula Madurapperuma who became the best student for 2008, 2009 and 2010 received their trophies from the President.
President Rajapaksa received a special memento from Thurstan Principal Y A N D Yapa. The members of academic staff who showed a great commitment also received awards from the President.
He said that the students hardly recognize the importance of their school till they leave it. ?They are not mature enough to understand the value of their school and the teachers.?
?The experience we receive from schools should be made use for our success,? he added. President Rajapaksa was of the view that Thurstan College established in 1950 was on par with other leading schools in Colombo due to the dedication and the commitment of staff, parents and students. He added that he was fortunate to have associated with reputed teachers at Thurstan College who represented many fields.
President Rajapaksa added that parents have a responsibility of moulding their children who will not hate society.
Education Minister Bandula Gunawardena and Petroleum Resources Minister Susil Premajayantha were also present.