RIYADH, 13 January 2008 — Staff and students at the Sri Lankan International School recently attended — together with parents — an awards night celebrating students’ achievements at the Riyadh Intercontinental Hotel.
The function was attended by chief guest Priyan Attygalle, chief executive officer of AMEX Saudi Arabia, guest-of-honor Dr. Mohammed Shaheed from the Security Forces Hospital, the institute’s founders, old boys and prominent members of the island’s community.
“Choose a profession because you enjoy it, not to make your parents, teachers and relatives happy. Let your talent rather than peer pressure guide your decision,” said Attygalle, addressing students, adding that coming from a family of doctors he was never strong in science.
“I must admit in school, I succumbed to pressure and started working toward becoming a doctor. Fortunately, my parents were very understanding and realized this early enough, before I reached a point of no return,” he said. “They were very keen that I do something I enjoyed rather than pleasing them. I can assure you they are as happy as I am about the decision I made 25 years ago,” he added.
M.K.M. Ashraff, chairman of the school’s board of management, said the institution, which is Sri Lanka’s first overseas school, was established on Sept. 17, 1988 with five teachers and 20 pupils. Over the years, student numbers swelled to 710 because of the hard work of teachers and the achievements of students in examinations.
Presenting the annual report of the school, Principal M.E.M. Farook said all those who took their G.C.E Ordinary and Advanced Level examinations last year passed. He said that the Edexcel Examination Board has recognized eight students for their outstanding performance.
