Message of Support to the Canada – Ambalangoda Association on the occasion of its first anniversary 2007 Nov 22

 

Message of Support

I am very pleased to have this opportunity to extend my support to the Canada – Ambalangoda Association on the occasion of its first anniversary. As a member who represented the people of the Galle district for some time, I have some knowledge and pertinent experiences about the expectations of the young people in the district and the limited opportunities that are available to them to realize their aspirations. Many improvements can be made to provide young people with a multitude of better opportunities, though such improvements have become increasingly infrequent. In such an environment of dire need for educational and other assistance, I have no doubt that the numerous initiatives taken by the Canada - Ambalangoda Association will continue to open up and provide many an opportunity to the young people in the district.

In this age of a knowledge based economy and its attendant revolution of innovation and information, the investment in human resources in terms of providing young people with opportunities for higher education and the resultant technical and technological skills will provides a vital link between their employment opportunities and economic prosperity. Also the application of knowledge provides opportunities for a systematic and logical analysis, which has threatened the traditional power and economic relationships of societies. As a result, more and more barriers are being erected to prevent the spread of such opportunities offered by the expansion of the information frontier. The reality of the situation is much more complex due to the acuteness of socio-economic issues affecting these young people.

The schemes designed by the Canada – Ambalangoda Association will build opportunities to transfer rich experiences and positive values gained by these young people in their social interactions. Treatment of others with respect, fairness and dignity and tolerance of differences of opinion will undoubtedly become useful and assist in building a fairer society back at home.

Generations of individuals and families will have cause to be grateful for the initiatives you have taken and the assistance you have provided to young people. This assistance will make a huge difference to the lives of these young people and I join others in congratulating you on this first anniversary of your dedicated and invaluable service. Your achievements do credit to all those involved in it. I take this opportunity to pay tribute to the members who have worked and continue to work to improve the quality of life of many young people.

You have my best wishes for your future initiatives. Keep up your inspirational good work.

Yours sincerely

Lionel Bopage

Melbourne, Australia