CHITRA LANE SCHOOL REACHES NEW HEIGHTS
At the recently concluded National Para Olympic meet, Yohan Savidya, a 16 year old young boy with special needs, won the Gold medal in the under 18, 100 meters dash. He is a student of The Chitra Lane School for the Special Child, and has been trained by Ms Chandrakanthi Ekanayake, who is the Physical Education instructor at the school. C.K. as Ms Ekanayake is fondly referred to by all; identified young Yohan’s talents at the beginning of the year at the school sports meet. From there, she tirelessly trained him and sent him to all the sporting events. Yohan took part in all three key events in the Zonal meet held in March 2019, coming first in the 75m and 100m and walking on the balancing beam event.
C.K. has been with The Chitra Lane School for the Special Child, since 1996 and has been a pillar of strength and a source of inspiration for the children who have come into this centre of love, education and care. Her most recent challenge was to train her team of athletes for the All Island Takkyu Volley Meet which was held on the 10th of October of 2019 in Meegoda. Takkyu Volley was first introduced to the students at Chitra Lane in May this year. Within this short period, C.K. was chosen as a referee for the All Island Takkyu Volley games as well. The hard work and dedication paid off as the Chitra Lane team won the Under 22 All Island Championship in their Special Needs category (M.R). This is indeed a feather in her cap as well as a proud moment for The Chitra Lane School for the Special Child. (Note: Takkyu Volley uses a pin ball containing small lead balls inside. The Ball is rolled over a table tennis table. Each team consists of 6 players and the rules are similar to volley ball except the ball is rolled under the net).
The Chitra Lane School for the Special Child situated at Chitra Lane, Colombo 5, is a Centre that gives equal opportunity to all their students, ensuring they experience all the activities that a student in the mainstream school will be exposed to. Scouting is one area that the school has excelled in. With field trips, fairs, jamborees and camping expeditions, the Scouts at The Chitra Lane School for the Special Child have been guided and empowered by a team of dedicated teachers, headed by Scout Master Ms Sumanalatha Rathnayaka.