News
Vidura College beats Thurstan in top class debate
The debating team of Vidura College clinched victory over Thurstan College, Colombo, in a thought-provoking debate centered on the topic ‘Social Media does more good than harm.’The enthralling competition took place on Nov 7 at the auditorium of Vidura College’s Hokandara Campus, drawing a keen audience.
The teams from Thurstan College and Vidura College presented compelling arguments from opposing perspectives, delving into the multifaceted effects of social media on society. Leading the Vidura College team was Vihandu Dissanayake, supported by Kalaru Perera, Chemini Dias, Sanuka de Silva, and Yasitha Sasanka. On the Thurstan side, Senud Sooriyarachchi spearheaded the team, accompanied by Ramithu Fernando, Indusha Dissanayaka, Adeesha Udawatta, and Dinith Kariyawasam.
After a spirited debate that showcased eloquence, critical thinking, and thorough research, the judges deliberated and conferred the coveted victory upon Vidura College’s debating team. Amidst the intense exchange of ideas, Senud Sooriyarachchi from Thurstan College earned the distinction of the best debater in the competitions, recognized for his exceptional rhetorical skills and insightful arguments.
Chairman of Vidura College Dr. Ranjit Cabral was the chief Guest.
Vidura College Principal DG Sumanasekera speaking at the event
Expressing his pride in the participants’ efforts, the Principal of Vidura College, DG Sumanasekera, extended his best wishes to all competitors and commended their dedication and commitment to intellectual discourse. He emphasized the importance of such events in fostering critical thinking and communication skills among the youth and wished them success in their future endeavors.
The competition not only showcased the talent and eloquence of the young debaters but also highlighted the significance of engaging in constructive discussions on contemporary societal issues.
As the curtains fell on this thrilling debate, both institutions celebrated the spirit of healthy competition and intellectual engagement, acknowledging the profound impact of debating in honing students’ abilities to articulate, analyze, and defend their perspectives.
The Department of Education has announced that the results of the 2024 General Certificate of Education Advanced Level Examination have been released online, and can be viewed on : www.doenets.lk
Prime Minister Dr. Harini Amarasuriya stated that the training of teachers required for the new education reforms will commence in May, and that contracts granted to political cronies in local government institutions will be brought to an end following the upcoming local government elections.
The Prime Minister made these remarks while addressing public gatherings held in the areas of Mirigama, Minuwangoda, and Katana in the Gampaha District.
Addressing the gatherings, Prime Minister stated:
“From birth to death, all the aspects of life of a person are handled by local government institutions. However, to this day, these institutions lack proper systems even to provide the people with basic facilities.
We are committed to working with a proper system, free of fraud and corruption, and managing every rupee carefully and attentively. We are identifying the needs of people and implementing projects under a systematic plan to develop rural sectors.
You elect fellow members who stand firmly against fraud and corruption through two decisive elections. First, you elect Anura Kumara as President, a leader committed to fighting corruption. Then, in the parliamentary election, you choose a group of qualified individuals who are equally dedicated to this cause to represent you in Parliament.
To ensure that the funds allocated for rural development reach the people, the local government institutions which are the closest to the villagers must also be clean and transparent. That is why this election is so important to us.
The people and the villages come to experience our corruption-free political culture through local government institutions. These institutions must properly implement, monitor, and evaluate the development projects allocated to the rural sector. The era of awarding contracts for such projects to political cronies must end.
Although early childhood development is a crucial part of education, there has never been a proper system for it. We are now establishing such a system. Starting in May, teacher training for the modern education which is being introduced will begin. We have a comprehensive plan for development across all sectors.
The Ministry of Education has received billions worth of projects, but there is no proper implementation process. For example, 1,500 smart boards were brought for smart classrooms, but the Secretary to the Ministry has not implemented a system to distribute them to schools. Teachers have not been trained to use them. Teacher training institutes still follow outdated curriculum. This will be corrected through the new education reforms,
In order to deliver all these benefits to the rural sector efficiently, it is essential to elect the right people for the right purposes. Therefore, in the upcoming local government elections, Prime Minister Dr. Harini Amarasuriya urged the public to vote for the candidates who are free from fraud and corruption presented by the National People’s Power (NPP).”
The event was attended by Parliament Chief Organizer of the ruling party Dharmapriya Wijesinghe, Members of Parliament Ruwanthilaka Jayakody and Chaminda Lalith Kumara, along with several local government candidates and the residents of the area.
[Prime Minister’s Media Division]
Foreign Minister Vijitha Herath will represent Sri Lanka at the funeral of Pope Francis in the Vatican City, the Ministry said.
The funeral is scheduled for today.
About 50,000 people came to pay their respects to the late Pope on Thursday, the Vatican news service said.
“Pope Francis’ funeral Mass will take place on Saturday, April 26, at 10:00 AM in St. Peter’s Square, marking the beginning of the Novemdiales, an ancient tradition of nine days of mourning and Masses for the repose of the late Pope’s soul,” according to the Vatican news service.
“The Novemdiales Masses will be held each day at 5:00 PM (GMT +2) in St. Peter’s Basilica, except for the Mass on Divine Mercy on Sunday, April 27, which will take place at 10:30 AM in St. Peter’s Square.”
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