The Northern Province has achieved a historic milestone by ranking first nationally in the percentage of students qualifying for university entrance this year.
While commending all those who contributed to this accomplishment, the Hon. Governor of the Northern Province, N. Vethanayahan, emphasized that everyone shares a responsibility to sustain this achievement and strive to further increase the rate in the coming year.
A special ceremony to honour students who excelled in the 2025 G.C.E. Advanced Level Examination was held today – on Tuesday, 21 April 2026, in front of the temple, organized by the Nagathampiran Temple in Puliyampokkanai, Kilinochchi. The Hon. Governor made these remarks while attending the event as the Chief Guest and felicitating the students for their outstanding achievements.
He further stated,
*Temples urged to uphold social responsibility and transparency*
“Many people hesitate to seek financial assistance for social initiatives, yet they contribute generously to temples. Therefore, temple administrations are in a strong position to channel these funds into meaningful social work. In that context, the initiative taken by the people of the Puliyampokkanai Nagathampiran Temple is highly commendable.
However, some of the complaints I receive regarding temples are deeply concerning. There are instances where several crores of rupees have been spent on temple renovations, and even after conducting the Kumbabishekam, the related accounts have not been disclosed. I have received such complaints even in recent times. In certain places, internal disputes within temple administrations have escalated to court cases. The money spent on such legal battles could instead be used to improve the livelihoods of underprivileged people in the name of the temple.”
However, the Puliyampokkanai Nagathampiran Temple set a strong example by publicly releasing complete details of its income within just three days of the Pongal festival. This is a model for other temples to follow. Such transparency not only enhances their reputation but also builds public trust, encouraging more people to come forward with support.
Society and the temple are not separate service to society is service to God. When people in the community are facing hunger, there is little value in prioritizing luxurious temple structures. While construction work, including towers, is important for preserving heritage and passing it on to future generations, it should not take precedence over meeting the essential needs of society.
*An educational achievement emerging from the tragedy of war*
“Only through education can anything be achieved; only through education can real transformation and a meaningful revolution be brought about in society. Today, a student from Kilinochchi has secured the first place nationally in the Physical Science stream of the G.C.E. Advanced Level Examination.
Most of these children would have been very young during the final stages of the 2009 war. They may not fully remember its horrors, but its impact has undoubtedly shaped the lives of their families and communities. Many families were completely devastated by that conflict. It is therefore deeply heartening to see that from Kilinochchi a land that once witnessed such tragedy and destruction—a student has risen to achieve the highest national distinction within a remarkably short period of time.”
*Effort and guidance*
The perseverance of these students has led to remarkable success today. A setback does not mean failure in life; rather, it is the abandonment of effort that constitutes true failure. If we remain steadfast in our ideals and continue to strive with determination, we can achieve our goals. These students should, in the future, serve this nation and contribute to its development. It is also important that we inspire the next generation of students to follow in their footsteps and achieve similar success.
Just as the Principal of Jaffna Hindu College engages past students to guide those preparing for examinations in the coming year, we too can utilize these high-achieving students to conduct motivational programmes for those who are about to face their exams. Their presence and experience will serve as a powerful inspiration for others. Zonal Education Directors should take the necessary steps to organize this in a structured and effective manner.
Finally, he emphasized that regardless of how far one progresses in life or how high a position one attains, it is essential to respect others and treat everyone with dignity. He urged students never to abandon honesty under any circumstances, noting that integrity is what ultimately elevates a person further in life.
On this occasion, the student who secured first place nationally in the Physical Science stream of the G.C.E. Advanced Level Examination, as well as students who achieved first place in various subjects at district level and those who topped their respective subjects in the Kandawalai Educational Division, were honoured with cash prizes by the temple administration. In addition, students studying in the Moral School operated by the temple were also awarded prizes during the event.
The event was graced by Hon. Member of Parliament S. Sritharan, Kilinochchi District Secretary S. Muralitharan, the Deputy Director of Planning of the Kandawalai Divisional Secretariat, Hon. Chairman of the Karaichchi Pradeshiya Sabha A. Velamalikithan, along with Zonal Education Directors, former Zonal Education Directors, school principals, teachers, parents, and members of the general public.
