St. Jude’s College, Kurana a shining beacon

The introduction of a brand new Chapel at the St. Jude’s College at Kurana took place on Wednesday the 13th of September 2012.

The centre of attraction was the establishment of an Institute of Higher Education for religious know l e d ge known as t he ‘Kithunana’ by the Reverend Doctor Leslie Fernando. Since there was a great difficulty for parents to obtain a suitable educational institution for children who had commenced their pre- school education in the English Medium, the

Reverend Doctor Leslie Fernando graciously decreed that St. Jude’s College, Kurana, would be recognized as the Negombo Branch, for enrolment to St. Peter’s College, Bambalapitiya.

Since, a St. Peter’s College under government sponsorship already existed in Negombo, it was not possible to duplicate the name here, resulting in this school being named as St. Jude’s College.

This Institution which was founded in 2002 with a mere 40 students has now branched out into a full fledged college with a strength of over 4000 students.

While acceding to the state instructions to conduct Religion and History in the Sinhala Medium, along with Sinhala Language, the unique concept in this institution is the conducting of all other subjects in the English Medium, up to the G C E (Advanced Level).

In order to facilitate the latest education systems for the benefit of the students, modern methods and upto date equipment are readily available, along with laboratory facilities for scientific studies and a computer lab to learn Information Technology.

Additionally it also provides a clam restful environment for the students to gain many other benefits without unwanted distractions or disturbances, with spacious airy classroom facilities.

The well organized layout of this institution has not ne g l e c t e d the requirement of extracurricular activities for the well being of students being well equipped with a cricket ground, net ball court, volley ball court, basket ball court, etc.

Th e f e r ve n t desire of Revered Doctor Leslie Fer nando who happens to be a Director of this institution has always being to bring forth well disciplined, well educated youth who would be of benefit to the country; through the services provided by this college.

In actual fact he exhausted himself tirelessly, day and night to make good the outstanding shortcoming of a chapel for this educational institution, and the fruits of his labours were displayed in no uncer- tain terms by the magnificent chapel that was declared open on the 13th of this month.

The holy blessings for the inauguration ceremony was conducted by his holiness Malcolm Cardinal Ranjith, Archbishop of Colombo.

The distinguished audience included Honourable Sarath Gunaratna, Member of Parliament, Provincial Council Member, Nimal Lansa, Superintendent of Police, Gamini Talalla and Senior Prelates of the Buddhist Clergy.

Addressing the distinguished gathering, the Archbishop of Colombo stated that education was still to receive its due place in this country and as a result, students were left without a proper goal to strive towards in their efforts.

He also emphasized that if provisions were made for them ( the Church) also to be a party to the education system great strides could be taken to improve the existing methodology and bring it to a much higher standard.

He pointed out that the bitter truth was that many Government Schools did not have provisions to teach Catholicism, no teachers were available for this subject, while all catholic students were not in a position to enter private educational institutions which are geared for this.

As a result, it is the poor catholic student who is discriminated in this manner.

Hence, in the present era, St. Jude’s College, Kurana will become a shining beacon, a definite solution and a last solace for such students. Ayurvedic Doctor Geethika

Navaratna