Sinhala Work Book for Children launched in London

tmadawela | 06 Oct, 2015 01:27PM | Leave a comment
Photographs by Tissa Madawela

Sinhala Work Book for Children launched in London.

On Saturday the 3rd October 2015, a Sinhala language work book was launched by Mrs. Pradeepa De Silva at the Rising Sun functional hall in London.

At the invitation of the organisers, The Chief Sangha nayake of Great Britain and the Head of the London Buddhist Vihara Most Ven. Bogoda Seelavimala Nayaka Thero, Principal of the LBV Sunday Dhamma School Ven.Tawalama Bandula Thero, Chief Sangha Nayke of USA Most Ven.Dedunupitiye Upananda Nayaka Thero, Ven.Kalugamuwe Kassapa Thero and a large gathering of distinguished guests from Srilankan community inj London, including professionals, Community leaders, journalists, Business personals, well-wishers and children attended the function.

The keynote speech was delivered by Ven, Dedunupitiye Upananda Thero. He explained in detail the approach of the educational psychology aspects of the new book which was written on a child centred basis and said that "it can be used not only as a work book but also as a guide book for adults".

Mrs.Pradeepa De Silva is an experienced teacher from Srilanka now living in London. She has identified the struggle of Srilankan parents, who value the knowledge of Sinhala Language, facing in terms of giving a grasp of their mother tongue to children. During her speech Mrs Pradeepa De Silva explained the reasons and the way to work with the children and how to use the book systematically.

She said that "all most all the Srilankans live around the world have been concerned about the dilemma as parents are unable to teach Sinhala Language to Children due to the lack of resources. The main problem they are facing is children follow English medium for studies and converse in English at home because of the familiarity of English Language. As parents are unable to support their children professionally to write and read Sinhala at home "Sinhala Akuru Huruwa" series of books will enhance their process of teaching and learning aspects."

She further said that " we offer these set of books as an initial step to help children who wish to learn Sinhala language. They provide guidance to achieve and develop understanding by way of listening,reading, speaking and writing. Support, participation and encouragement from parents and adults is also very essential. Providing suitable books in Sinhala would also speed up the learning process. May more and more children be encouraged to learn their mother tongue".

She thanked her family and all the friends who helped in many a ways to make the book launch a success.

Ven. Bogoda seelawimala Nayaka Thero in his Anusasana talked about the importance of teaching the mother language to all our children. " this book will offer a great assistance to any Sri Lankan parent who wish to teach the alphabet of our great language to their children" he said.

Veteran vocalist Dilhani Jagodage and a group of children entertained the crowed with the popular Sinhala song " Ayanna Kiyanna Lowatama Ahenna" originally recorded by Visharadha Nanda Malani.

Free sets of the publication was given to all the children and guests as presents and many children were seen going through the content and practicing the correct way of writing the letters in Sinhala.



 
Contact Udena De Silva to get your copy.
udedesilva@gmail.com 07504459337