In conjunction with the commemoration of the birth centenary of the former minister and late politician Gamani Jayasuriya, who was the first Member of Parliament of Homagama, Meegoda Maha Vidyalaya was named ‘Gamani Jayasuriya Vidyalaya’ as he was the founder of the college and the name board was unveiled.
It was carried out under the patronage of Prime Minister Dinesh Gunawardena at the invitation of Transport, Highways and Mass Media Minister Dr. Bandula Gunawardhana.
The name ‘Gamani Jayasuriya Vidyalaya’ was unveiled as per a special request made by Homagama Regional Coordinating Committee Chairman and Minister Dr. Bandula Gunawardhana through the Regional Development Committee.
Special certificates and awards were presented to outstanding students and alumni of the school by the Prime Minister and other invited guests.
Minister Dr. Bandula Gunawardhana who spoke on this occasion, said; “Gamani Jayasuriya, who was a Buddhist leader who made a unique contribution to change the course of our country’s history, and who was engaged in a great epoch-making mission, built this school with donations from his generation. Naming this school after him is a special tribute of gratitude to him.
“During the British imperialist era, the Jayasuriya family and the Boralugoda family of the Kelani valley provided great national leadership to lead the national movement to liberate our country. They made that sacrifice for the motherland, ready to sacrifice not only their property, but even their lives.
“They had a love for the country and nation beyond the imagination of today’s Sri Lankan politicians who struggle to achieve narrow political goals. It was through that commitment that the motherland was able to gain independence. Without any political power, Srimath Anagarika Dharmapala, who sacrificed his life for the upliftment of the country, nation, Buddhist religion and culture, fought for the people in the Constituent Assembly, as well as Gamani Jayasuriya who was a grandson. He can be identified as a national hero dedicated to creating a better country for the future of both born and unborn generations.
“Gamani Jayasuriya can be described as an ideal and pure political figure who was never involved in any theft, fraud, corruption, irregularities, etc. as the Minister of Agriculture, Minister of Health, and as the Deputy Minister of Education.
“It is my belief that by naming this school after him, the future generations will follow those examples to produce children who will be an asset to their parents, the country and the nation.”
This function at which the Maha Sangha participated as well, was attended by Member of Parliament Yadamini Gunawardena, Homagama Zonal Education Director Hemantha Gamage, Principal of the school M.C. Thilakananda as well as the staff, Principals of other schools in the area, parents, past pupils and a large group of people.
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