News
Going that extra mile for his students: One teacher for all 9 O/ Level subjects
View(s):
One man's effort: Janaka Dhanuddhara Panagoda
By Jayani Madawala
From Meemure in the Theldeniya educational zone comes an inspiring story of a committed teacher at the Galamuduna Kanishta Vidyalaya.
Recently this under-resourced school in this remote area gained some media publicity after four of the five students who sat for the 2024 O/ Levels got commendable results, all due to the hard work of Mr. Panagoda who teaches all nine O/ Level subjects.
Despite limited facilities, Janaka Dhanuddhara Panagoda, an Economics graduate from the Sri Jayawardhanapura University took it upon himself to give his best to these O Level students.
Prior to this appointment in 2013, he taught in his hometown at the Mihintale National School. Up until the news of the O/ level success story, Mr. Panagoda was the sole teacher of the school. Following the results however two other teachers joined the school, but they are only teaching physical education and history.
Mr. Panagoda spoke about the hardships the people and the students face in Meemure especially due o the threat of wild elephants and the bad condition of the roads.
He conducts extra classes for students until about 11.30 p,m, and the students stay on at his residence instead of going to their homes due to the threat of attacks from the elephants.
He said one of the main reason for the hardships faced by the students is the bad state of the roads. He said there are many benefators who wish to assist the students.
All smles: Some of the students
He said the school comprises 21 students and they have no access to internet facilities or reliable mobile connectivity. They don’t have access to additional tuition classes due to inaccessibility to the nearest bus routes. They have to walk more than 10 kilometres through muddy paths to reach the main town.
There are at least 30 families residing in the area and relocating these families would be the most suitable solution although little or nothing has been done about it.
Speaking to the Sunday Times Mr. Panagoda said he worked in Mihintale prior to this appointment and he had requested a transfer. “After six years of service, when I was finally told there was one school I could go to I never imagined the hardships I would have to face”.
He pointed out that if teachers are given an additional allowance they would be happy to teach in these kinds of remote areas.
“I go to town to buy food and other essentials only once in four days as the roads are so inaccessible. However I have to do my best for the sake of my students,” he said.
Many students come from farming families so receiving a good education is essential to improve their standard of living, he emphasised
“Currently I am the principal as well as the teacher. The school got some media publicity due to the O/ Level results and people came forward to help the students. But a lot more problems need to be addressed,
” Mr. Panagoda said.
The best way to say that you found the home of your dreams is by finding it on Hitad.lk. We have listings for apartments for sale or rent in Sri Lanka, no matter what locale you're looking for! Whether you live in Colombo, Galle, Kandy, Matara, Jaffna and more - we've got them all!