The Hon. Governor of the Northern Province, N. Vethanayahan, stated that holding public office is not merely about occupying a position, but about fulfilling a responsibility entrusted to serve the people. He emphasized that those entrusted with public office must serve the public with the utmost integrity, impartiality, and without discrimination.
An event honouring students who secured first place at the national and zonal levels in the 2026 Grade 5 Scholarship Examination was held this morning – on Sunday, 20 September 2026, at the Thondaimanaru National Field work Centre at Chemmani Road, Jaffna, under the chairmanship of its Chairman, Professor Dr. Sivasanthini Kuganathan.
The Hon. Governor of the Northern Province, N. Vethanayahan, attended the event as the Chief Guest. He commended the students for their outstanding achievements and presented awards to the students who secured first place across all 13 educational zones.
In his address, the Governor further stated:
“Public office is not meant to assert one’s authority or elevate oneself above others. Those entrusted with positions of responsibility should not become arrogant or allow power to influence their conduct. Instead, they should always consider how they can use their position to serve and support others.
My father raised me with the teachings of the Thirukkural, through which I learned the importance of respecting and helping anyone who seeks assistance, even if that person is an adversary.”
Noting that students should not confine themselves solely to academic studies, the Governor said that education alone is not sufficient to attain positions of responsibility or achieve success in life. He emphasized that students should also cultivate values such as compassion, a spirit of helping others, and a strong sense of social responsibility.
He remarked that education should not make a person indifferent to someone in need or prevent them from extending a helping hand to those who have fallen or are struggling. He emphasized the importance of stepping forward to assist others without expecting anything in return. The Governor noted that when one lives with such a spirit of kindness and helpfulness, many people will be willing to extend their support when one faces difficulties in the future.
The Governor also emphasized the importance of co-curricular activities in the development of students. He noted that academic achievement alone, without participation in co-curricular activities, is insufficient to develop a well-rounded personality. He stated that engagement in activities such as sports and the arts plays a vital role in shaping students into well-rounded individuals with strong character, confidence, and leadership qualities.
The Governor also highlighted a point previously raised by former Zonal Director of Education, Theivendrarajah, noting that parents themselves can sometimes become a barrier to students’ participation in co-curricular activities.
He recalled that during his school days, when a teacher disciplined a student, the reason for the punishment was generally understood and the child would often face further correction at home. He observed that this situation has changed in the present day. The Governor emphasized that when a teacher disciplines a student, it is not out of personal animosity or ill will, but with the intention of guiding the student towards discipline, responsibility, and good character.
Furthermore, the Governor noted that although individuals and institutions from other provinces are making constructive use of the facilities at the Thondaimanaru National Field work centre, its utilization by schools and students in the Northern Province remains comparatively low. He emphasized the need to change this situation and encouraged greater use of the facility by students and schools across the Province.
The Governor commended the students who achieved outstanding results and secured top positions at both the national and zonal levels in the 2026 Grade 5 Scholarship Examination. He congratulated them on their achievements and extended his best wishes for their continued success in education and their future personal development.
