“Poverty should never become a barrier to education for any student in the Northern Province. No child should ever be placed in a situation where they are forced to abandon their education because of poverty. Ensuring this is the foremost responsibility of us as authorities,” stated the Honorable Governor of the Northern Province, N. Vethanayahan.
The opening ceremony of the new building of Selvanagar Vidyalayam in Kilinochchi was held successfully today (22nd May of 2026), Friday at 2.30 p.m., under the leadership of the school principal, C. Mahendrarajah. This two-storey building was constructed at a cost of 23 million rupees allocated from the Provincial Specific Development Grant Fund. It is noteworthy that this is the first multi-storey building to be established at this school.
The guests who attended the ceremony were ceremoniously welcomed with a marching band parade performed by the school students. Following the traditional lighting of the ceremonial lamp, the national flag and the school flag were hoisted. Thereafter, the new building was officially declared open for the use of the students by the Honorable Governor, who attended as the chief guest. A tree-planting event was also held within the school premises.
While addressing the gathering, the Governor further stated:
“The rise and fall of an institution depend greatly on its leader. In the case of schools especially, the leadership of the principal is extremely important. It is due to the excellent leadership of the principal of this school that the institution is progressing steadily towards development today. He works with dedication and genuine concern for the community. He guides both the community and the teachers with care and efficiency. The teachers here also deserve high praise for the exceptional concern and commitment they show towards the students. I sincerely appreciate the way everyone here works together collectively as one team.
It gives me even greater happiness to know that the youth of this village are extending their full support to the noble efforts of the principal and teachers. In the current environment where accusations are often made that young people in many places are going astray, it is highly commendable that the youth here are actively concerned about the school and the education of the students and are helping to monitor and guide them. In some other areas of the Vanni region too, young people are engaging themselves in controlling unlawful activities within their villages. I highly appreciate such socially responsible youth.
The principal mentioned in his speech that many students studying in this school have lost either one parent or both parents. We must certainly embrace and support such children. When they succeed in education, their families will progress, and subsequently the entire community will develop. The efforts of the principal and teachers in identifying children who remain at home without attending school due to the lack of parental supervision, and bringing them back to school, are truly immeasurable. The service you render to this community is truly magnum.
The current government is giving greater attention to rural development and the improvement of infrastructure facilities. When society advances through education, villages too will naturally progress.
As far as I am concerned, many schools in the Vanni region are located in isolated villages. Those schools are often the only opportunity available for the students there to receive an education. If those students do not receive education there, their entire future will become bleak. That is why we are giving priority to filling teacher vacancies in such schools. During teacher transfers, we face many challenges because we pay special attention to this matter. Regardless of whatever opposition may arise, we will remain firm in ensuring the education of the students of Vanni.”
The event was attended by special guests including the M. Patrick Diranjan, Secretary of the Northern Province Ministry of Education, Cultural Affairs, Sports and Youth Affairs; Y. Jeyachandran, Northern Provincial Director of Education; and Mrs. Pradeepa Gayathri Gajapathi Kilinochchi South Zonal Director of Education. Among the honored guests who also graced the occasion were Sivasri Vipulananda Kurukkal of the Selvanagar Muthumari Amman Temple, Rev. Fr. Jonkanisiyus Adigalar of Uruthirapuram Parish, and S. Dharmarathinam, Karaichi Divisional Education Officer. Along with them, members of the school community, students, and villagers also participated in large numbers at the event.
