Ceremonial Graduation 2019 - Message from the Chancellor

I take great pleasure in addressing this learned gathering today. You have earned the fruits of your labour, the hard work and dedication you have put in to your studies. You will remember this day as marking a milestone in your life. You are graduating from the oldest and the highest ranked university in the country. I have no claims to university education. The society has been my university. I have had a hard life, but of course hardships and sacrifices are a part of the life of a Bhikku. His service is to the society. At this point, I wish to remind you that you are part of society. You owe a debt to your parents, teachers, lecturers, and mostly to the society – the tax Payers of this country. The society has spent its hard-earned money on your higher education. It may be that their own children have not been as successful as you; they may not even have got a proper education.
You have been fortunate to become the best of the best.

Therefore please consider it as your duty to do your best for society – the country. Our motherland needs the contribution of people such as you with the attributes, of youth, education and commitment. Vidya dadathi vinayan: learning gives discipline. I have no doubt that you will carry the spirit of your beloved university to the world of work. May you reach the success you wish for, in your life and the fulfilment of your aspirations. Lanka, our motherland, needs your contribution.

I wish you every success.
Theruwan Saranai

Sasana Keerthi Sri Buddha Sasana Shobhana
Venerable Muruththettuwe Ananda Nayaka Thero
Chief Sanghanayake Western Province
Chancellor – University of Colombo