Students outshine themselves yet again at the Diving, Electrician and English graduation ceremony.

“The difference between a successful person and others is not a lack of strength, not a lack of knowledge, but rather a lack of will.” – Vincent Lombardi
The graduation ceremony for the Diving, Electrician and English course was held on December 30, 2010 at the Aviva Community Hall in Seenigama. Guests attending the graduation ceremony were greeted with betel leaves upon their arrival at the hall. As in tradition, the ceremony kicked off with the lighting of the traditional oil lamp by the chief guest Mr. Ranjith Pandithage. Mr. Pandithage is the Chairman of Diesel and Motor Engineering Company (pvt) Ltd.

Other distinguished guests lighting the oil lamp included Mr. A.G. Pandithage, Deputy Chief Executive Officer, Mr. Kushil Gunasekera Founder/Trustee of FoG and Mr. Sampath Viraj, Manager FOG & Coordinating Secretary of MCC. Other guests also included Sector Managers Mr. Asiri Suranga & Mrs. Fazana Ibrahim, lecturers Alan Sahabandu, Athula, Manjula, Ubeysiri & Michael De Silva.

Lasantha Manaram was the official compere for the ceremony which commenced promptly at 10.30am. The welcome speech was delivered by Sampath Viraj whilst introducing FoG’s most valuable lecturers, managers and coordinators to the distinguished guests. In his speech, Sampath extended his gratitude towards Diesel and Motor Engineering Company for their very valuable contribution of a Dimo Batta vehicle right after the catastrophic tsunami back in 2004 and again another vehicle of the same kind on December 30, 2010.

After Sampath’s welcome speech was delivered, lecturer Alan Sahabandu delivered a speech on the importance of the diving course. In his speech, he informed the students and guests present that any student who enrolls for any course at MCC will never have to leave empty. That student will leave with a world of knowledge not just in the course but also in life lessons as well.

As always, Kushil’s speech was quite meaningful and he extended his gratitude towards Chief Guest Ranjith Pandithage. Mr. Pandithage was Kushil’s very first employer and Kushil remains indebted to him as he has learnt many life lessons, skills and moral values from him. He is ever grateful for all the guidance and support extended towards him and his lifelong goal of serving humanity. After Kushil’s speech was over, certificates were presented to the students who had successfully completed the diving course.

These certificates were handed over to the students by the chief guest Ranjith Pandithage who went on to deliver a very important speech. He stated that there are many job opportunities for electricians in Australia but knowledge of the English language is very important. He stressed that if one is equipped with the knowledge of English & IT, the world will be at one’s feet. He further stated that every profession has a place and respect with importance to the skill.

Mr. Pandithage extended his assistance by inviting a village youth to come for training in welding & painting at his work shop in Colombo. He will also sponsor the welding plant in order to begin a course in welding at the village. He stated that a qualified welder can earn a salary of about one lakh. He was proud to note that many who had trained and worked at Diesel & Motor Engineering Co (pvt) Ltd has migrated to Melbourne, Australia - and they have formed an association named "Dimo Association". He further said that Diesel & Motor Engineering Co (pvt) Ltd is related with the best vehicles available in the world today.

The remainder of the certificates was distributed by Kushil Gunasekera, Asiri Suranga, Fazana Ibrahim and the respective lecturers to students who graduated in the Electrician & English courses. In total, 32 students graduated from the diving course while 10 students graduated from the electrician course. 32 students also successfully completed the English language course.

The vote of thanks was delivered by two students who graduated that day. Their speeches proved to be very meaningful. They thanked FoG and appreciated the services and knowledge they have gained at the MCC.

Kushil extended his gratitude to Mr. Pandithage by worshipping him and presenting a small gift to him. FoG also remains indebted to their kind sponsors who are the Planet Wheeler Foundation, Coopers Investors and the Leeds Grammar School who have kindly donated funds for the sustainability of the Diving, Electrician & English sectors.

“In order to succeed, your desire for success should be greater than your fear of failure.” – Bill Cosby
By Sarah Kellapatha.

2011.01.17