Unveiling Memories: Sarath Karunaratne's Enduring Legacy in Education

More than two decades ago, a group of senior scouts embarked on a unique adventure at the Naval Dockyard, leaving behind a logbook entry penned by President's Scout Kanishka Goonewardena. While the tales of ships, battles, and scouting are fascinating, this narrative shifts its focus to the unsung heroes—the teachers who left an indelible mark on those young minds.

Accompanying the scouts were two dedicated educators, Lal Perera and Sarath Karunaratne, the latter unbeknownst to many as an alumnus of the school. Assigned to guide the boys in the absence of Senior Scout Master Mohamed Firdhouse, these teachers seized the opportunity to impart a small yet impactful lesson.

The night before Firdhouse's arrival, Lal Perera and Sarath Karunaratne engaged the scouts in a discussion about film music. While the details may have faded with time, the resonance of the moment lingered on, particularly the music of Maurice Jarre in the timeless classic 'Doctor Zhivago.'

This story transcends ships and battles; it's a testament to the enduring influence of teachers. In subsequent years, chance encounters at the Big Match brought these educators together, Lal Perera and Sarath Karunaratne, always a united presence. Their wealth of knowledge and the ability to impart wisdom enriched conversations, leaving a lasting impact.

Fast forward to March 2023, and Sarath Karunaratne unveils his memoir, 'Veddah Kanda Abiyasa (At the foot of Veddah Kanda),' chronicling his tenure as the first Science and Mathematics teacher at Gallaellaegama Rajaye Vidyalaya from January 4, 1972, to May 2, 1974.

This book serves not only as a memoir but as a tribute to the profound influence teachers like Sarath Karunaratne have on shaping lives and fostering a love for learning. In the vast tapestry of education, these dedicated individuals stand as beacons, forever remembered for their ability to teach not just subjects but invaluable life lessons.

A Journey to Moragoda: Lessons from the Heartland, Beyond the Classroom

In the quaint village of Moragoda, nestled in Medawachchiya within the Anuradhapura District, Sarath Karunaratne unfolds the pages of a bygone era, providing a captivating glimpse into a time and place that resonates with sweetness and simplicity. Moragoda, once labeled 'dushkara' or 'difficult,' emerges through Karunaratne's narrative not as a challenging locale but as a canvas painted with honorable people, an open cultural landscape, and an era of tranquil ease.

Karunaratne challenges the notion of 'backwardness' associated with Moragoda, coining the term 'dushkarayaeyisammatha,' emphasizing the general perception rather than an intrinsic quality. Through his lens, memories unfold as a rich tapestry of lightheartedness, fulfillment, and genuine connections. His journey, recounted from the moment of receiving the letter of appointment to departing for a new chapter in Colombo, weaves a narrative that transcends time.

The narrative paints a vivid picture of the physical and social landscapes surrounding the school, breathing life into its inhabitants. Karunaratne's storytelling doesn't merely recount events; it transports readers to a place and time where they become witnesses to encounters faithfully transcribed. Reading it is akin to sitting among attentive boy scouts within the Naval Dockyard in Trincomalee, transported back to the year 1992.

Karunaratne, through this memoir, emerges not just as a teacher but as a perpetual student of life. His keen observations, analyses, and drawn conclusions underscore his commitment to imparting out-of-curriculum lessons to students—lessons that resonate long after their academic journey concludes.

As I immersed myself in this narrative, I realized that teachers like Karunaratne, who venture beyond the confines of the classroom, especially in 'hard' designated areas, possess a unique qualification to teach profound life lessons. This memoir serves as a testament to the enduring impact of educators who, like Karunaratne and Lal Perera, continue teaching even when they could have chosen otherwise.

The desire to visit Moragoda, Medawachchiya, in the Anuradhapura District now lingers, fueled by the hope that Sarath Karunaratne might join in sharing more tales from this enchanting corner of the world.

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In conclusion, Sarath Karunaratne's memoir transcends the boundaries of time and place, inviting readers into the heart of Moragoda—a village that defies its 'difficult' label through narratives that resonate with sweetness and simplicity. Karunaratne's journey, spanning from the receipt of a letter of appointment to his departure for a new chapter, unfolds as a rich tapestry of lightheartedness, fulfillment, and genuine connections.

As the narrative vividly paints the physical and social landscapes surrounding the school, Karunaratne emerges not just as a teacher but as a perpetual student of life. His keen observations and analyses, coupled with a commitment to imparting invaluable out-of-curriculum lessons, underscore the enduring impact of educators who venture beyond traditional classroom boundaries.

The desire to visit Moragoda is now more than a mere curiosity; it's a yearning to witness the landscapes and stories that have left an indelible mark on Karunaratne's narrative. In sharing these tales, he imparts a timeless lesson—that teaching extends far beyond textbooks, and the experiences gained in 'hard' designated areas uniquely qualify educators to impart profound life lessons.

As the pages of this memoir unfold, Karunaratne and educators like him remind us that the teaching journey doesn't conclude with retirement or a change of scenery; it's a lifelong commitment to nurturing minds and hearts. Their stories are not just tales from the past but an enduring legacy that continues to shape lives long after the academic journey concludes.

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