The Hon. Governor of the Northern Province, N. Vethanayahan, expressed his heartfelt appreciation to the school community – including Principal R. Senthilmaran for providing a rare and valuable opportunity for disadvantaged Tamil students studying Advanced level science streams (Biology and Combined Mathematics) in schools across the North, East, and up-Country.
He noted that, in the absence of access to private educational institutions and adequate teaching resources, these students were able to stay and study for three days using the laboratory facilities of Jaffna Hindu College. The Governor also extended his appreciation to the Sankaravel Fund for its support in making this initiative possible.
For the past four years, the Sankaravel Foundation, in collaboration with Jaffna Hindu College, has been continuously conducting online classes for Tamil speaking students in the Higher Secondary Science stream who are unable to attend private tuition classes.
The primary objective of this initiative is to bridge the gaps faced by students interested in studying Mathematics and Biology in schools with limited facilities and a shortage of qualified teachers. As part of this effort, Jaffna Hindu College has made its resources available as a platform for conducting live laboratory experiments in Biology, Physics, and Chemistry, thereby enhancing practical learning opportunities for these students.
This year’s three-day special laboratory camp brought together 155 Advanced Level Science students from the districts of Ratnapura, Nuwara Eliya, Badulla, Trincomalee, Batticaloa, Ampara, Mannar, Mullaitivu, Vavuniya, and Jaffna. The students were accompanied by their parents as well as several teachers.
A key highlight of the camp was that the training sessions were conducted by the teachers of Jaffna Hindu College, along with distinguished alumni who have achieved outstanding results at both district and national levels in the G.C.E. Advanced Level Examination.
Notably, the Sankaravel Fund covered all expenses related to the programme, including transportation and meals for the participants.
While the students were engaged in laboratory activities at Jaffna Hindu College, the Hon. Governor of the Northern Province, N. Vethanayahan, visited the school on Saturday night (18 April 2026, at the invitation of Principal R. Senthilmaran and held a cordial discussion with the students participating in the experiments.
At a special meeting held thereafter, the founder of the Sankaravel Foundation, S. Sukumar, outlined the key initiatives of the Fund. Continuing his remarks, Principal R. Senthilmaran expressed his gratitude to all those who contributed to the success of the project. He also elaborated on how the initiative originated, the noble vision of sharing the school’s resources with students from under-resourced areas, and plans to further expand online education for Ordinary Level students as well as advanced Mathematics and Science programmes, with the support of the Northern Provincial Governor’s Secretariat.
Speaking on the occasion, the Hon. Governor of the Northern Province, N. Vethanayahan, stated that many school principals are often reluctant to allow outsiders to utilize their institution’s physical resources. However, he highly commended the Principal of Jaffna Hindu College, R. Senthilmaran, for his progressive approach in making the school’s facilities available to benefit other students, emphasizing that such initiatives contribute significantly to the overall educational advancement of the Tamil community.
He further noted that when a student from a disadvantaged village gains admission to a university, it often leads to the broader development of that entire village. “When one student progresses, it inspires others in the community to strive for success,” he said.
Encouraging the students, the Governor added that those who are benefiting from this rare opportunity today should, upon reaching higher levels in the future, come forward to support and guide other underprivileged students, just as they have been supported.
The Hon. Governor of the Northern Province, N. Vethanayahan, praised the efforts of Jaffna Hindu College and the Sankaravel Foundation for their commendable initiative in identifying students who are unable to pursue Mathematics and Science due to teacher shortages or financial constraints, and for providing them with free access to quality education.
He noted that in today’s society, a misconception has taken root that success in examinations is only possible through private tuition. “We did not depend on private classes during our own schooling,” he said, urging students to challenge and overcome this mindset.
Encouraging the participants, the Governor emphasized that students like them should break this illusion, strive with determination, and aim to enter university through their own hard work and dedication.
Speaking further, the Honorable Governor of the Northern Province, N. Vethanayahan, addressed prevailing misconceptions in society, noting that many believe students involved in sports and the arts cannot excel academically. However, he highlighted that the Principal of Jaffna Hindu College, R. Senthilmaran, had pointed out numerous instances where students who achieved national recognition in sports have also excelled in their academic pursuits. He emphasized that those who succeed in other fields are equally capable of achieving academic success.
“Nothing is impossible. With effort and determination, anything can be achieved. Students must always keep this in mind,” he said.
The Governor further urged students never to feel that they lack support, pointing out that there are generous individuals and organizations such as the Sankaravel Foundation ready to help. He emphasized that those who benefit from such assistance and rise to greater heights should, in turn, cultivate a spirit of service and give back to society in the future.
At the conclusion of the event, the Hon. Governor of the Northern Province, N. Vethanayahan, presented awards to the students who achieved the highest marks in the assessment examination conducted by the Sankaravel Fund.
