Tamil Language festival held in Trinco

[TamilNet, Saturday, 02 October 2004, 01:14 GMT]
"Preliminary work on the establishment of a Tamil Research University in "Ariviyal Nagar" in Killinochchi is underway under the direction of LTTE leader Pirapaharan," said Mr.Kavi Anban, Trincomalee district head of the Educational Development Board of Thamileelam when he spoke at the Zonal Tamil Language Day celebrations held at Trincomalee St.Joseph's College auditorium Thursday under the auspices of the Trincomalee Zonal Educational Department, sources said.



The chief guest was Mr.R.Thiagalingam, North East Provincial Ministry of Education, and Cultural Affairs. The guests of honour were Mr.K. Thangarajah, retired Zonal Director, and Mr.V.Thangavel, a retired Principal.

At the commencement of the celebration, a cultural pageant was held from the office of the Trincomalee Zonal Education Office to the St.Joseph's College. Students depicting the Kings of Chera, Chola and Pandyan kingdoms with their warriors participated in the cultural pageant.

A Sinhala Buddhist Venerable Mahindapura Pemanantha Thera also participated in the cultural pageant and the Tamil Language day event.

Trincomalee Zonal Director of Education Mr.K.Thilakaretnam presided. Trincomalee Orr's Hill Vivekananda College Mr.S.Navaretnam made the welcome speech.

Buddhist monk Ven Mahindapura Pemanantha Thera lights the traditional oil lamp

Mr.Kavi Anban further said, "Our movement will take all steps necessary to safeguard Tamil language. While in other countries Tamil language is losing its purity due to adulteration of foreign words especially English, we are instituting safeguards and administrative policies that will ensure that Tamil language is kept in pure form in our areas."

Mr.Thiagalingam said that a language identifies a nation and its culture. We should be proud of our language which is one of the oldest languages in the world that has survived several challenges in past, he added.

Tamil students, teachers and parents have a duty to safeguard their mother tongue at this critical juncture, Mr Thiagalingam said.

Guests handed over prizes and cups to winners who excelled in the Tamil language day zonal competition. Variety entertainment followed.


(L-R) Ms Thevigaranee Murugupillai, Deputy Zonal Director of Education, Mr.Thangarajah, Mr.Kavi Anban ( with garlands in hand) Mr.Thiagalingam, Mr.Thangavel, Mr.Thilakaretnam, Zonal Education Director and Ven.Mahindapura Pemanantha Thera. being taken in procession to the venue