CGI, Hambantota celebrated the 125th birth anniversary of Dr. B.R. Ambedkar by organising a cultural programme in the auditorium of the University of Ruhuna, Matara on April 23. Chief Minister of Uva Province and Minister for Education Chamara Sampath Dassanayake was the Chief Guest on the occasion. Adviser to the Chief Minister of Uva Province Mr. Sujeewa Jayasinghe, Vice Chancellor of Ruhuna University Prof. Gamini Senakayake, Zonal Directors of Education, Assistant Directors of Education and Principals of schools in Hambantota, Matara and Galle districts in Southern Province and Monaragala district in Uva Province were prominent amongst those who participated in the event.
The function began with floral tributes to the portrait of Dr. B.R. Ambedkar by the Chief Minister of Uva Province, Consul General of India and followed by others.
In his speech on the occasion, Consul General of India, CGI, Hambantota touched briefly on the historical background of Dr. B.R. Ambedkar, the first Law Minister of Independent India. Taking opportunity of the occasion, Consul General also appraised the gathering about scholarships including ITEC being offered by Government of India for the benefits of Sri Lankan students.
Delivering a lengthy speech in Sinhala language during the event, the Chief Minister of Uva Province lauded efforts being made by Consul General of India, CGI, Hambantota in forging greater relations between Sri Lanka and India which he said were two traditionally friendly countries sharing close relationship in terms of culture, tradition and religion. The Chief Minister also appreciated various cultural activities being undertaken by CGI, Hambantota in the three districts of Matara, Hambantota and Galle in Southern Province and Monaragala district of Uva Province in bringing closer relations between the two countries. He also expressed hope that the Indian Consulate would continue to play such important role in cementing stronger relations between the two countries.
Cultural troupes from Moksha and students from Shilpa Kala Ashram staged dance and drama performances making the event more colourful. While the Moksha performed classical Kathak dances, the students of Shilpa Kala Ashram staged a drama on the lives of Dr. B.R. Ambedkar.
School students who won the essay writing competition on the works and life of Dr. B.R. Ambedkar were awarded prizes and given certificates on the occasion. The school students were accompanied by their parents who appeared excited about prizes won by their wards.
The essay competitions were conducted earlier at various schools under consular jurisdiction of this Post. Over 400 students participated in the essay competition. Assessment of the essay and allotment of marks were done by faculty members of Ruhuna University. Zonal Directors of Education and Assistant Directors of Education in the three districts of Hambantota, Matara and Galle in Southern Province and Monaragala district in Uva Province were approached to seek their assistance and cooperation in conducting the essay writing competition. The Zonal Directors issued instructions to Principals of these districts to conduct the essay competition in their respective schools. The extent of assistance and cooperation that CGI, Hambantota received from Zonal Directors of Education and School Principals were laudable and praiseworthy.
On conclusion of the celebration of the 125th birth anniversary of Dr. B.R. Ambedkar, an arrangement was made for light refreshments for all the participants in the event.
