The Hon. Governor of the Northern Province, N. Vethanayahan, emphasized that students of today in this district should aspire to hold high administrative positions in the future. To achieve this, he stated that they must develop not only strong academic excellence but also exemplary character and outstanding leadership qualities.
The prize distribution ceremony of the “Bandaravannyan Memorial Chess and Speech Competition – 2025,” jointly organized by the Mullaitivu District Secretariat, the Mullaitivu District Education and Development Trust Fund, and the Mullaitivu District Chess Association, was held on Sunday morning (22 February 2026) at the Bandaravannyan Conference Hall of the Mullaitivu District Secretariat.
The event was chaired by A. Umamaheswaran, Mullaitivu District Secretary, and was graced by the presence of N. Vethanayahan, Governor of the Northern Province, as the Chief Guest. Professor Sivaraja Raj Umesh of the Faculty of Management Studies and Commerce, University of Jaffna, attended the occasion as the Guest of Honour.
Following the reception of the distinguished guests, the proceedings commenced with the traditional lighting of the ceremonial lamp and a vibrant welcome dance. A special video presentation themed “A New Generation Born in the Light of Heroism” was also screened.
In the competitions, 35 students who emerged victorious in the speech contest (lower and upper categories) and 117 students who excelled in the chess tournament (Under-6, Under-8, Under-10, Under-12, Under-14, and Under-19 categories) were honoured with prizes. Students who secured the first three places were awarded cash prizes, trophies, medals, and certificates, while those who placed from fourth to tenth received medals and certificates.
In his keynote address, A. Umamaheswaran, Mullaitivu District Secretary, highlighted that the Mullaitivu District Education and Development Trust Fund was established in 2011 as a visionary initiative of the current Governor, N. Vethanayahan, during his tenure as Mullaitivu District Secretary.
He further noted that despite numerous challenges and criticisms at its inception, the Fund was launched with noble intentions and continues to function successfully to this day. He also emphasized that the competitions have been conducted with the Governor’s full support and active involvement.
Addressing the gathering as the Chief Guest, N. Vethanayahan, Governor of the Northern Province, stated that the Fund was established in 2011 to ease the severe hardships faced by families in continuing their children’s education during the challenging period of post-war resettlement. He explained that it was also created as a structured mechanism to properly channel the generous contributions of diaspora members and donors who came forward to assist.
He further emphasized that, to date, 903 students have benefited from the Fund. However, he noted that its long-term sustainability depends on beneficiaries repaying the assistance once they secure stable and rewarding employment opportunities in the future.
Continuing his address, Governor of the Northern Province, stated that he had long been familiar with the innovative thinking and administrative capabilities of District Secretary A. Umamaheswaran from his tenure as Director of the Hindu Cultural Department. He commended him for organizing such a meaningful event aimed at nurturing students’ personality development through the Trust Fund.
Referring to the remarks made by the Guest of Honour, Professor Raj Umesh of the University of Jaffna, the Governor also observed that education devoid of character and social responsibility is of little benefit to society or the nation. He expressed concern that individuals who attain high positions without a sense of personal integrity and commitment often fail to extend support to marginalized communities, instead relying on procedural circulars as a justification for inaction.
Concluding his address, Governor of the Northern Province, urged parents to nurture in their children not only academic excellence but also compassion and a spirit of service toward others. He emphasized that students who receive a well-rounded education grounded in strong character will emerge as the great leaders of tomorrow, and expressed his confidence that this event would serve as a firm foundation for that noble goal.
