The Hon. Governor of the Northern Province, N. Vethanayahan, emphasized that the greatest assistance that can transform a person’s life is the assistance provided for education, and that students should move towards their goals with the mindset that “it is not that we cannot do anything; if we try, anything is possible.”
He made these remarks today – on Saturday 08 August 2026, while participating as the chief guest and addressing a free seminar organized for students who are due to sit for the General Certificate of Education Ordinary Level Examination, at the Veerasingham Hall in Jaffna.
This seminar, organized by Attorney-at-Law V. Thevasenathipathy, is being sponsored by prominent businessman Nagarathinam.
Addressing the students, the Governor noted that the educational progress of the Northern Province is linked to the dedication of every student. He said that they should enter the examination hall with the determination, “This year, let us bring the Northern Province to the forefront,” and that the success of every student would not only be their personal success but would also enhance the pride of the Northern Province.
As the age of sixteen is an important turning point in life, he urged the students to choose good friends, stay away from bad habits and activities that waste time, and devote their full attention to education. He also advised them to use their time responsibly, as excessive use of social media and wastage of time could affect their future.
Noting that the government and the Northern Provincial administration are making various investments for the educational advancement of students, the Governor said that schools, teachers, books and educational facilities have all been created for the success of students. At the same time, he emphasized that it is the students themselves who must build their future.
Continuing his speech, he stated that assistance for education is the greatest investment that can transform human life. Appreciating the social responsibility of the organizers who arranged and sponsored the free seminar for the students, he said that such initiatives would make a strong contribution to the educational advancement of the Northern Province.
He further stated that students should respect the sacrifices of their parents and the dedication of their teachers and repay their efforts in the best possible way by excelling in education. He emphasized that the true purpose of education is not merely to obtain high marks, but also to develop into good citizens with integrity, discipline, responsibility and human values.
Noting that today’s students will be tomorrow’s doctors, engineers, teachers, judges, administrators and leaders who guide the country, the Governor encouraged the students to dream big and work persistently to make those dreams a reality. He stated that no one can stop those who make an effort, and expressed his confidence that it is today’s students who are going to write a new chapter in the educational history of the Northern Province this year.
The event was attended by Sivapathasundaram Sathiyaseelan – Secretary to the Governor of the Northern Province, Attorney-at-Law V. Thevasenathipathy, sponsor Nagarathinam and many others, while a large number of students who are due to sit for the General Certificate of Education Ordinary Level Examination and their parents also participated.
