Good news for all progressive parents! The British have completed a study of 70,000 people called the ‘1970 British Cohort Study’; researchers followed them for many years noting many aspects of their lives!They studied many details, including the activity of reading from an early age. Along with that they investigated the associated career benefits. One result discovered was that if a young person reads a lot, it develops his/ her general intelligence no-matter the development of his parents; it makes him smarter.

1970 British Cohort (Group) Study

It should be observed here that the ‘1970 British Cohort Study’ followed 70,000 people to examine various aspects of their lives.

It was found that reading brings life-long benefits; it improves mood, it helps with social skills, increases empathy, reduces anxiety, protects against depression and slows brain decay, the study found.

But, on the contrary, how many people are losing their reading ability? The consequences are that this brings poorer critical thinking, less empathy for others resulting in a dumbing-down of society.

People are urged to switch off their smartphones and read more of what they like, – perhaps try reading the newspapers!

We suggest they try reading some famous English literature.

English literature offers a rich heritage of wonderful ideas and thoughts. The reader can be intellectually uplifted – it brings refreshing new vistas and stimulating new ideas. It nourishes the psyche.

Unfortunately, most students of English work hard and learn all the hum-drum mechanics of the language, for which they get tested and graded, but then there is no payoff, no reward for their efforts. Ideally, grammar should be followed up with intellectual benefits for our students’ efforts – which is of course, the enjoyment of the works of literature of the many great writers in the English language. This is the great payoff for all their efforts.

One of the obvious reasons for the lack of “follow through” may be lack of time allocated in the curriculum – or, perhaps, more darkly, the teachers’ own lack of knowledge of the great range of good reading materials produced by the countless generations who have gone before. Such writers have laid down for us a heritage of glorious literary works in books and essays, all of which can be found in any good library. It is thought that much of this good literature ought to be introduced to all students of English “full stop,” as part of developing a fuller, deeper, cultured society. Reading English literature should bring intellectual enrichment to all those willing to drink from this Bacchanalian horn of plenty.

It must be said firstly, that it can be fairly expected that most young people, especially those learning English as a second language, are unaware of the many outstanding pieces of writing that propel English to stand tall amongst the rest. That is, students need to be first introduced to great writings and have a spark of interest ignited in this large landscape of literary works.

But, for young people new to English, it may be better to introduce suitable reading material in an organized fashion. Young people can very quickly become disillusioned and antagonistic to something new. Ideally, pleasant, understandable literature can be first introduced to the student to fire up his or her interest in this rich source of culture.

For example, by being introduced to “Daffodils,” a short descriptive poem by William Wordsworth, the student can get some very pleasant ideas to think on.

Do not overlook Conan Doyle’s “Sherlock Holmes” marvellous short detective stories, each one captivating the reader’s attention right to the end. It is in these short stories that the novice reader can first consolidate his power of reading.

For light reading Jerome K. Jerome’s book “Three Men in a Boat” is suggested. On one occasion he goes to the library suffering from a slight hay-fever (allergy) seeking a cure. He consults a book “Lexicon of Pharmacology” and recoils in horror as his symptoms fit most of those diseases. He concludes he cannot live much longer and staggers home to rest and recuperate! This is a well related tale in the book – although seemingly quite implausible!

Similarly, it may be necessary to explain the meanings of the poem: “What is Life if Full of Care?” by William Henry Davis – how he regrets that we humans are always in a hurry, too busy to notice or see the delights of nature, and scenes of natural beauty, e.g., a girl’s (beauty’s) agile steps as she steps across a stream and see her smile as she passes by; we have no time to make friends and even kiss her. Regrets! Explaining this to students would bring a certain intellectual enlightenment.

John Keats’s poem, “Ode to Autumn” is another great work describing the ripening fruits of the autumn season. He personifies how nature as a person, brings to fruition all the good things of a rural landscape quietly humming with warmth after a hot summer.

Again, it is likely necessary to explain to a young, inexperienced mind the meaning of the descriptive poetry found in this magnificent poem.

Treasure Island is another great children’s classic, waiting for thirsty drinkers, imbibers of English to eagerly read.

This is the real English to be tasted and then swigged at lustily in pleasure and satisfaction, not some writing airing historical grievances for children to study

Priyantha Hettige

On 20th May 2025, KOICA Volunteer Partner’s Day of year 2025 was held at the Courtyard by Marriott with the presence of the Country Director of KOICA Sri Lanka office Mrs. LEE Yooli, Mr. Samantha Bandara, the Director General of External Resources Department and officials from the Department of Technical Education & Training, National Institute of Education, Schools, Universities, National Youth Services Council, Colombo Public Library and over fifteen (15) volunteer partner organization representatives in Sri Lanka.

At present, there are thirteen (13) KOICA volunteers serving in Sri Lanka and the meeting organized by KOICA (WFK Division) was to share the know-how, experience and knowledgeable resources with the respective partner organizations. The main goals of the knowledge sharing session were to deliver relevant information about the KOICA Volunteer program and to generate insights from the partner organizations that will be useful in recalibrating WFK program’s future direction, including safety and security.

During the session, participants of partner organizations showed their strong need to obtain the services of volunteers, especially for the fields of Korean Language, ICT, Electronics, Social Welfare, Electronics and Auto-Mobile Engineering. Furthermore, they appreciated and emphasized the importance of expanding of KOICA Volunteer Program to rural areas in Sri Lanka.

Since the initiation of KOICA Sri Lanka office in 1991, volunteer dispatch activities have taken place throughout most regions in the country. There has been a significant demand for KOICA volunteers in the educational sphere targeting areas of Korean Language, ICT, etc. The expertise received from Korea has not only shown developmental potential in partner organizations but has also provided invaluable expertise for the youth to excel in the job market.

The Country Director of KOICA Sri Lanka office Mrs. LEE YOOLI expressed her gratitude to all the participants of partner organizations and added “KOICA Headquarters, together with the Sri Lanka Office, is pleased to continue the volunteer program under its ODA endeavors towards Sri Lanka; while introducing new focused volunteer fields in alignment with the SDG goals and the Sri Lankan government priorities.”

In the meeting, Mr. Samantha Bandara, Director General of the External Resources Department, extended his deep appreciation to KOICA for overall technical cooperation towards Sri Lanka and especially, appreciated the services of volunteers who contribute for the social and economic growth of the country, by sharing their expertise and Korea’s development experience.

The Korea International Cooperation Agency (KOICA), the grant aid division of the Embassy of the Republic of Korea, is the Korean government agency for grant aids under the mission of “Contributing to the common prosperity and the promotion of world peace through inclusive, mutual development cooperation leaving no one behind.”

The election of the JVP/NPP leader as the executive president of Sri Lanka was no doubt momentous, perhaps, second only to the election of Ranasinghe Premadasa to the same coveted position. Though it was the first time the ‘caste barrier’ was broken, unfortunately, instead of hailing this social revolution Premadasa had other ideas; he attempted to rewrite history by attempting to change his heritage thus missing a great opportunity to show that Sri Lanka indeed was a country of equality and opportunity! AKD shares with Premadasa the same great achievement of reaching the top from very humble beginnings. In addition, AKD is the only leader of the country to be elected from a party with a ‘terrorist’ heritage and many were hopeful that this would not be a baggage. As recent events have shown, it looks as if he is not able to shed that baggage. It is said that a leopard cannot change its spots! This is past repeating itself, as well illustrated by the actions of our first executive president JRJ; he was a manoeuvrer who could not stop doing so, even when he reached the top, which no doubt contributed to his downfall!

AKD started well, just like all his predecessors have done, but wheels seem to be coming off the wagon pretty soon! He continues to behave like an opposition politician continuing with attacks on his opponents, past and present, instead of concentrating on statecraft, to take action to alleviate the suffering of the masses burdened with severe economic hardships and chart a course for future prosperity. Perhaps, this may at least be partly due to his having to face election after election but this should not be an excuse. Prior to the presidential election he portrayed that he was surrounded by groups of experts, of all modalities, who were ready with policies for rapid implementation but these experts seem to have disappeared into thin air! Only experts in economics seem to be from the much-maligned IMF. The message from the voters seems to be falling on deaf ears as shown by absurd explanations given for the erosion of the vote at the last local government elections.

He seems to be a one-man band which, worryingly, dashes hope for the long-promised abolition of the presidency. He would be totally ineffective without the executive powers of the presidency. This seems yet another addition to his unfulfilled promises. He is apparently being supported by a group of amateurs! Prior to elections there was much hype about the PM, a respected academic, who seems to have been pushed to the background. She does not seem to be functioning efficiently even as the minister of education. Ragging continues in universities resulting in suicides. Even worse was the suicide of a student sexually molested by a teacher, humiliated by a friend of the accused teacher, a private tutor who contested on the NPP ticket. The initial punishment for the teacher, till public protests erupted, was a transfer to a distant school. To make a terrible situation even worse was the action of the minister tasked with ensuring the safety of women and children. She claimed that the parents had not met her and handed over a petition.

This lack of leadership is replicated by the President himself. AKD’s mantra during the parliamentary election campaign was cleansing of Diyawannawa but no sooner had the guardian of the house been elected than his doctorate from a private Japanese university was questioned. After much hesitation, the speaker resigned, claiming that he would prove his academic qualifications. He has not done so and he is still an ‘honourable’ MP! Another MP, a female lawyer had the audacity to state that under the NPP government anyone was free to lie and admitted that she had lied about billions of dollars airlifted to Uganda by the Rajapaksas! AKD has taken no action against these MPs.

AKD also had an exposition of the Sacred Tooth Relic to be held in the run-up to the recent local elections. It did not pay dividends may be because the arrangements were in shambles. He visited Vietnam to deliver a lecture for the International Vesak Day but apparently did not find time to pay homage to the Buddha’s sacred relics on display a short distance away from the conference hall. He did find time to lay a wreath at the memorial of the war dead and flew back on a private jet so that he could vote in the LG elections! Another promise broken but it is claimed that a Buddhist society had paid for the private jet!

AKD’s actions regarding the ceremony to remember and honour war heroes clearly shows that he has completely lost the plot. To the shock and horror of all patriotic Sri Lankans, an announcement was made a couple of days ago by the secretary of defence that the ceremony would be presided over by the deputy minister of defence! In short, the commander of the forces is too busy or too reluctant to attend the remembrance of those who sacrificed their lives for the integrity of the country. I doubt it has happened in any country! If he was of the opinion that this event was superfluous or that it hampered reconciliation, he should have had the guts to issue a statement to that effect. Coming from a ‘terrorist’ heritage, the JVP may be having a soft corner for the terrorists killed by the armed forces and may have thought it was hypocritical for him to attend!

As the public outcry could not be patched over, he decided not only to attend the ceremony but also visit the disabled and allow them to take selfies. It is a shame that AKD seems to have developed selective amnesia for his past statements. During the time Rajapaksas were leading the campaign to eradicate the Tigers, AKD was a strong supporter and at times claimed that he told them what to do! What has brought about this change? Was it the backing from the pro-LTTE groups in other countries?

To add insult to injury, during his speech he alluded that the ‘war’ had been fought for political gains. Though it may have produced political gains, doesn’t he realise that it was fought, at a tremendous cost, to defeat terrorism for the purpose of continuing the integrity of the country? He and his acolytes are spreading the canard that this is different as we did not fight a foreign country. Had the Tigers succeeded, we may well be fighting a different country in our little island! His virtual equation of dead terrorists to our fallen heroes added further insult.

Unfortunately, we seem an ungrateful country insulting our fallen war heroes and allowing hypocritical Western nations insulting our living heroes.

by Dr Upul Wijayawardhana