Sathara celebrates 33 years of nurturing Sri Lankan students knowledge
In 1979, the ‘Sathara’ publication began as a small sapling but over 33 years it has spread its branches and now stands tall as a grand tree. Since that first day, Sathara was a tree that has nourished and provided many children with a cooling shade, in terms of knowledge. Following is a short discussion conducted with the Founder of Sathara and Principal of Sathara Education Institute, Mr. Chandrasoma Perera.
What prompted you to launch an educational publication named “sathara” for students in Sri Lanka?
In 1979, there weren’t many Sri Lankan educational publications for students, I thought I had to do something to fill that void. By then I had a very good relationship with the students of Sri Lanka, since I was a Principal at Maharagama Madya Maha Vidyalaya, an official at the Education Administrative Services, a trained graduate, and a Mathematics teacher who had received special teacher- training. After going through many trials and challenges on the 30th of May 2012, I was able to launch the “Sathara” publication. Children at the time were exposed to many comics that polluted their minds. Through my publication I was able to divert them to their education. I believe that just as I overcame my obstacles, I also had the fortune to do a good act for students.
Which age group was the “Sathara” publication aimed at, during the initial stages?
First we focussed on students in Grade 9 up to Advanced Level, for this we collated all the subjects and produced one publication. Our theme at the time was “Many areas, many exams, many subjects, together in one paper”. We posed a threat to the giants in the publication industry at the time, and it is still the same.
Sathara initially focussed on just one paper. What sort of recognition have you received in the educational world?
At the moment we publish ten educational papers, “Samanala Sathara” for preschool students, “Singithi Sathara” for Grade 1, “Mihiri sathara” for Grade 2, “Tikiri Sathara” for Grade 3, “Hathara Sathara” for Grade 4, “Shishyathwa Sathara” for Grade 5, “Sarala Sathara” for Grade 6, “Hatha Sathara” for Grade 7, “Sapela Sathara” for Grade 11. In addition, the island’s fastest selling book “Sathara shishyathwa jayamaga”, has been published for the past 33 years. Similarly, every year we publish books containing model questions and answers for the main subjects for the Ordinary Level examinations. We also a publish a few other educational materials, since 1979, Sathara exclusively pub-
lishes educational material only.
Do you have a qualified panel of teachers that support the “Sathara” publication?
Of course yes. University lecturers, Teacher college lecturers, teaching instructors, and very talented teachers are all part of the editorial panel that supplies articles. The articles supplied by the panel are approved by the Sathara advisory board prior to it being published. Due to these reasons it is difficult for other publications to come close to the “Sathara” standard.
Who are the people who aided you along this journey?
I have to specifically thank the staff of Sathara, who work very hard to ensure the publications are released on time. Similarly, for the past 33 years the editorial committee has played a strong role. As well as the sales representatives and respected teachers who taught everyone the value of Sathara, I am especially grateful to them. My wife and three children provide an unwavering support in all that I do, without that courage and strength it is difficult to come on such a long journey.
What other benefits are provided to society through your organisation?
Every year, I organise a series of workshops for hundreds of thousands of students. These workshops are held free of charge throughout the island. We also provide sponsorship for the series of workshops organised by the National Television channel for students preparing for the Grade 5 scholarship examination and the GCE Ordinary Level examinations. While providing students with educational support we also help them to develop their creative skills by hosting competitions and distributing prizes amongst the students. We also provide uniforms and books and educational material for a large number of students in rural areas.
Publications such as “Sathara Shishyathwa Jayamaga”, “Vibhaga Purva” and “Vibavyathamana” are books that have been replicated by certain other organisations. Can you elaborate on this?
If a sathara replication does some good for students in Sri Lanka then we are happy about it, but using the same words, activities, exercises, of Sathara and copying the ideas or even the words present in our advertisements is a weak attempt and I must say that those attempts will not succeed.
At this moment, How do you see the educational materials publication
industry?
In comparison to the eighties and nineties we have had many organisations entering this industry. Hence there is a greater competition, though this should result in a higher quality of the product I see the opposite happening. In order to increase their sales some organisations offer 40%, 50% or 60% discounts that result in a product that is of low quality and value. It is disappointing that they have forgotten that the publication ultimately reaches the student’s hands and affects their future as well. What are the future plans of Sathara? Sathara had improved in every way over the past 33 years and is not a treasure not only for students in Maharagama but for students all over Sri Lanka. So we hope to deliver a quality product to students who nourish their knowledge through our publication, and also to students in the future generations to come.
Finally, what message would you like to deliver to the students of Sri Lanka?
Every child has to improve his/ her knowledge and their skills. Similarly, if you study well during your time as a student, then in the future – you, your family, society and the country will value your education.
Joanne Kotelawala