Scout 'Guru' Lord Baden Powel remembered on B-P Day

Former Negombo Scouts District Commissioner Elmo Rovel said the Scout Movement has nourished and flourished worldwide like a giant tree.

"The world has benefited so much from this movement that today, almost every country pays tribute to its founder," he said, speaking as the Chief Guest at the Memorial Ceremony of Lord Baden Powel, founder of the Scout Movement, held at Ranasinghe Maha Vidyalaya at Dunagaha, to mark the B-P Day.

Rev. Walasmulle Dhamma Vimal Thera said, "Discipline plays a big role in our lives. A well disciplined boy means he doesn't know the word ‘laziness’. He is always in the forefront, whenever there is a need to help someone. This we see in the lives of Scouts. Hence, we should be thankful and grateful to the founder, Lord Baden Powel."

Negombo Scouts District Asst. Commissioner Senarath Lal said, "His birth was indeed a blessing from God to the world that needs love, sharing and correct leadership. B-P has shown the world how to live such a life, starting from childhood. A Scout’s life is living in the open, among the hills, trees, birds, beasts and rivers. In other words. it is living with nature. If you love nature, you love your fellow human beings. Therefore, it is for a worthy cause we have gathered here today."

Other distinguished guests in attendance were Ranasinghe Maha Vidyalaya Principal, Deepal Gunarathne, Batepola Vidyalaya Vice Principal and Commissioner of Club Scouts, Lalitha Srimathi Wickremasinghe, along with about 600 Scouts and Girl Guides from 15 schools, with their Masters and Teachers. Pix by K.L. Richard

Walter Perera