Letters to the Editor
View(s):Destroying two unique school cultures in the name of a merger
Listening to the arguments of the representatives of Sri Wijayarama Maha Vidyalaya and Devi Balika Maha Vidyalaya, the first question to ask is what is the rationale behind this project?
If charity or social responsibility are key concepts of the stakefholders, they have very many deeds to get merits from.
How many schools in this country are underfunded? How many hospitals are under-resourced? Why is public transport in shambles? So, what prevents large-hearted entrepreneurs from helping those hundreds and thousands of institutions that are utterly neglected?
Down a quiet, leafy street of Wijerama, Sri Wijayarama Maha Vidyalaya cannot boast of the pomp and pageantry of other renowned schools. In every sense humble, this school has catered to the local children for decades. However, the present state the school has fallen into, is an inexcusable folly that every government is responsible for. So, why not give the boost this school needs to upgrade it to the level of many other co-ed schools that could bring pride to our island nation? The great writer Victor Hugo once declared, “He who opens a school door, closes a prison.”
Will you close to the local children, whose living is a struggle, their only door to education?
As a resident of Wijerama, I appeal to the kind-hearted souls, who seem to care for the school’s present predicament, to do all you could do to salvage this beautiful school with its own pulse and character.
Devi Balika, Colombo, needs no introduction. It has in every sense its own personality; unparalleled and unique. Since its inception, Devi has had the sole duty to educate the cream who come from the scholarship examinations. Although it was meant to cater to science education alone, it branched off as a huge tree of diverse streams.
What Devi is today is not what it had been. Hundreds of thousands of former Devians would remember the humble origins. The multi-storeyed buildings, the auditorium, high-tech labs are all later additions. But what created the essence of Devi Balika brand is the contribution of the hardworking teachers, principals, well-wishers, support staff, parents and last but not least the proud Devians themselves. If you commodify this brand, it is robbery in broad daylight.
For the past 68 years, Devi had its own trials and tribulations. There were times of anarchy. But Devi persisted. Why should such a wholesome entity be otherwise? Let Devi Balika be Devi Balika at its historical location. As a former teacher of the school, I appeal to the generous gentlemen to spare this school as it is for the generations of girls who would blossom into professionals your country needs.
On top of the myriad of issues the children of both schools would face, you all will collectively destroy two unique school cultures.
Savithri Jayasinghe Cooray Via email
Renunciation
He was but a common man, though born to rule a Kingdom
Supernatural powers he had none; but lots of compassion and wisdom
Shielded from pain and poverty for fear he would renounce it all
King Suddhodana ensured his son, was groomed to reign above all.
A patient doubled in pain, crying aloud in agony
A corpse being carried to the pyre, by a sad bereaved family
A senile man so crippled, who could hardly find his way
A serene monk so peaceful, no worries to cloud his day
These four foretokens did, so disturb his mood and mind
How do we alleviate suffering? He felt compelled to find
Musicians and dancing girls performing for his fun and pleasure
He quietly stole away, depressed and filled with displeasure.
He looked into Yasodara’s chamber, where lay his newborn son
No time for fond farewells, a swift glance and he was gone.
Channa-his lifelong friend, confidant and able minister
Was woken to fulfil his role; a final task to administer
The birth of a son and heir, is unique and special we’d say
How could he leave Rahul on such a memorable day?
Abandoned without any warning, such a loving and dutiful wife
He left to show us the way to ease suffering in life.
Kantaka – his favourite stallion; saddled up ready for the night
Ahead lay an uncertain journey, as he prepared to take flight
He rode into the moonlit midnight, no star to guide his way
Until he reached Neranjana; the flowing waters lapped the bay.
With several sweeps of his sword, the long hair locks were shaved
Discarding princely attire, a saffron garb was draped
It was too much to bear; it broke loyal Kantaka’s heart
To watch his lifelong master, renounce and thus depart.
Fickle fortune, shallow life, birth brings suffering and pain
Birth after birth in Sansara, it does perpetuate the same
To break this vicious cycle, avoid greed and attachment
As in the Eightfold Noble Path, practise compassion and detachment
In Four Noble Truths he taught us; Greed is the cause of pain
Pain needs to be abolished, but how can we achieve this aim?
Torturing himself in extreme, he sought this route in vain
Walk the Middle Path – he finally did proclaim.
Dr. Rasieka Jayatunga