Knowledge alone is not sufficient to create a great book; experience is equally essential to gain a deeper understanding of reality. Only when knowledge and experience come together can a book become truly meaningful, distinctive, and beneficial to society, said the Hon. Governor of the Northern Province, N. Vethanayahan.
The launch of two books, Early Childhood Education and the Activities of Primary Education and Sri Lankan Tamil in the Diaspora, was held today – on Wednesday 26 August 2026, at Sabalingam Hall, Hindu College, Jaffna.
The Hon. Governor of the Northern Province, N. Vethanayahan, who attended the event as the Chief Guest, addressed the gathering and stated as follows:
Continuing his address, the Governor noted that the importance of pre-school education has only recently begun to receive widespread recognition in Sri Lanka. He emphasized that early childhood education lays the foundation for a child’s knowledge, behaviour, character and future learning. He further stated that the present government has also identified pre-school education as a priority and is taking steps to regulate and strengthen the sector.
Commenting on the content of the book Sri Lankan Tamil in the Diaspora, the Governor expressed concern that children of Tamil diaspora families often do not speak Tamil when they visit their ancestral homeland. He emphasized that preserving the mother tongue is closely linked to safeguarding the identity, heritage and cultural continuity of a community.
The Governor also noted that it is common for members of different communities to use their mother tongue when communicating with one another. However, he said there is a need to reflect on the fact that this practice is gradually declining in many parts of the Tamil community. Appreciating the efforts of organizations abroad to teach Tamil to children of the Tamil diaspora, he expressed regret that, rather than supporting and cooperating with such initiatives, there is often criticism and division within the Tamil community.
Meanwhile, the Governor also drew attention to the practical issues raised by medical expert Professor Balagopi in his address. He emphasized the need to find practical solutions to these issues, while noting that addressing long-standing negative attitudes and bringing about meaningful social change would require time, patience and sustained effort.
The Governor said that society must gradually move away from negative attitudes such as simply saying “someone should do something” or “it should be done” and instead develop a positive, action-oriented mindset. He further emphasized that a change in attitude is essential to bringing about the changes necessary for social progress.
The Governor, who noted that he had been informed that the author of the books, Thanikasalam Pillai, had recently completed his law degree, praised him as a living example that age should never be a barrier to education. He further emphasized that a genuine desire to learn and the continued pursuit of knowledge can enable a person to reach new heights at any stage of life.
Medical experts were also felicitated during the event. The event was attended by the Jaffna District Secretary, the former Chief Secretary of the Northern Provincial Council, academics, medical professionals, writers, social activists and many others. In addition to the book launches and introductory speeches, discussions and reflections on the content of the books were also held.
