Imagine my
shock when I received a call informing me that I, Kamal Kumara Weeragunarathne
Sahabandu, a mere visiting lecturer from Sri Lanka, had been named Asia's Best
Educator! I nearly dropped the phone as I sank into my chair, mouth agape in
disbelief. Asia's Best Educator? Me? This humble man who found purpose simply
by teaching the children in his community? It seemed impossible that my modest
contributions could be elevated to such heights. This unexpected incident
proves my motto, “Perseverance is the Mother of Success”
I
, Kamal Kumara Weeragunarathne Sahabandu ,was born in 1975 in a very attractive
, historical and world famous city called Galle in an island called Sri Lanka
which is best known as “The Pearl of the Indian Ocean.” Mother, wife and two
daughters are the members of my family. I have two brothers and a sister. Both
my father and mother worked hard to raise and teach us. Their only hope was to
see their virtuous children rise to the
best place of the society. As one of the sons of the family, I think that we
all have fulfilled the expectations of our parents.
Honestly say, in my childhood , I did not dream of becoming a doctor or an engineer like others. My one and only dream was to become a teacher who not only teaches children but also teach them about the life. This is how I reached my dream and made it a reality.
Here, I would
like to say my sincere thanks to Asia Awards for giving me such prestigious titles. In
fact, I got a total of 7 Asia’s Best Educator award powered by Rula and World
Research Congress:
You see, I
never imagined myself to win all of these or become some lofty hero. I set out
on this journey years ago for one reason alone - to make a positive difference
in young lives. The remote village of my childhood shaped my dreams. Back then,
we had no running water or electricity, let alone recognition and fame. But we
had each other - a tight-knit community where families worked the land
together. People shared what little they had. If you needed a hand, just look
to your neighbour.
My parents
collected sacrificial love. They thought nothing of giving their last rupee or
meal to help another in need. From them, I learned that status and wealth count
for nothing compared to how we treat one another. They taught me that knowledge
opens doors to purpose. So, they sent me, their youngest son, three miles down
the dusty road each day to gain an education - even though they needed me
working the fields from sunup to sundown.
When I
trekked to the school called Richmond College each morning, my feet kicking up
puffs of dirt, I dreamed of unlocking the potential I saw glimmering in other
children. I was transfixed by the miracle of growth - tiny seeds becoming
bountiful crops. Could human minds blossom the same way under the right care?
My teachers showed me the answer was “Yes”. I watched them patiently tend the
garden of young minds. At once I knew my calling - to be the gentle guide who
illuminates the path for eager students.
But.
participating in that noble endeavor seemed as likely as a Sri Lanka's teacher
becoming a king on its field!. I seized that chance with the desperation of a
man gasping for air. The more knowledge and wisdom I gained, the more I could
impart to my students.
So, began my
life's work in 1999 - not in some prestigious institution or faraway land, but
in the very village that shaped me. I relished every moment guiding students
entrusted to my care. How delightful to watch them grasp new concepts, their
eyes lighting up with discovery!
My teaching
career opportunity arose when I was selected to undergo an intensive English
Language Course at the District English Language Improvement Centre (DELIC).
This was based on my outstanding performance on the competitive exam for
recruiting English teachers in 1993. I was overjoyed to have my proficiency
recognized as I had long dreamed of mastering English - the gateway to so many
possibilities. After earning top academic honours, I plunged straight into a
teaching certificate programme. Then, further training through a Diploma Course
equipped me with practical methodologies. I was an arrow pulled taut in the
bowstring, quivering with readiness to launch out as an educator guiding eager
young minds.
In 1999 at
the tender age of 24, I began my teaching career as a Visiting Lecturer at
local institutions. Early classroom encounters unleashed utter exhilaration -
the thrilled look on a child’s face when difficult concepts suddenly made sense
was like sunshine bursting through clouds. Using colorful visual aids and
real-world examples, I aimed not just to fill their heads with information but
to equip them for fulfilling lives.
Over decades
I have taught the students who belonged to diverse contexts - primary schools,
secondary schools, pre-university students and more. Currently I serve as the Director
of the Brightway Educational Institute which I helped establish. Coordinating
over 2500 students and faculty members builds skill in clear communication,
compassionate discipline and organizational excellence. But my greatest joy
remains those precious hours in the classroom. Besides teaching at Brightway
Educational institute, I have been working as a visiting lecturer at Sathya
Educational Institute which has over 3000 students that is situated in the
heart of Galle.
My approach
sees each student through the lens of human potential rather than mere
performance metrics. Patient encouragement unlocks hidden talents in struggling
youth. Regular assessments shed light on areas needing improvement but also
reveal blossoming gifts to nurture. Creative activities allow unique
personalities to shine instead of cramming all into the same mold. Close
collaboration with parents lends deeper insight into supporting their child’s
growth.
Most
importantly, I strive to teach through my own life example, learning
constantly, engaging humbly, persevering resolutely and serving others before
myself. The fruit has been the thrill of seeing depressed and defiant youth
transformed into confident leaders, passionate innovators, and compassionate
change-makers making their mark in diverse spheres. I launched them like arrows
but their impressive trajectories tell a story more about undiscovered
potential set free rather than my humble mentoring.
This
unexpected award validated that quiet, steady faithfulness matters greatly.
Tears flowed freely - tears of joy and deep gratitude of course! But mostly
tears of profound humility, recognizing I simply responded to a call after call
and it is I still feel it just like a dream but it’s not a dream more longer,
it is absolutely real. I do not deserve special honour. But may this
recognition inspire other ordinary teachers persevering in remote corners to
unleash the potential inherent in every child they encounter. Our collective
long obedience in the same direction shapes the future one young life at a
time.
I accept this
honour not as personal achievement but as tribute to all who labour quietly
each day, patiently shaping young lives through hardship and hope - not for
recognition but from a deep sense of purpose and fulfillment. They are the real
heroes lighting hopeful flames in the next generation. Looking back at my own
journey, I see clear milestones that sparked and fueled my growth as an
educator.
In the early
years, I made many mistakes common to novice teachers. I struggled to hold the
attention of restless students eager to be anywhere but school! Classroom
management was especially challenging with middle school students navigating
hormonal changes and peer pressure. My strict disciplinary style often provoked
acting out rather than cooperation. I lost patience frequently when students
failed to grasp concepts quickly. In hindsight, I expected far too much far too
soon.
Over time, I
learned the art of engaging students with creative teaching methods. Instead of
dry lectures, I wove in activities, stories, and visual aids to illustrate
concepts in a compelling way. I tapped into pop culture references and humour
to better connect with teens. Patience became my close companion. I allowed
struggling students to unfold in their own time rather than criticizing their
limitations. My classroom evolved into a nurturing incubator where young minds
could safely question, experiment, and make mistakes as part of the learning
process.
By building
strong personal relationships with students, I gained valuable insight into
their unique interests, challenges, and aspirations. This enabled me to tailor
instruction and support to each individual. I provided extra help readily to
those who needed it without shame or judgement. My advice and concern extended
beyond academics into family issues, relationships, mental health, and other
critical aspects of their lives. The rapport and trust gained made my classroom
a refuge from the storms of adolescence. Students knew I cared about them as
people, not just students. In me they found a mentor and friend for life.
Collaborating
with parents also grew into a priority. I engaged mothers and fathers as
partners in helping their children excel. Regular communication enabled us to
discuss progress, identify problems early, and reinforce learning at home. I
welcomed parental involvement and listened to any concerns patiently, resolving
issues as a team. This united front conveyed to students how much the important
adults in their lives wanted them to succeed.
About three decades, I taught thousands of students
across all skill levels - from struggling learners who needed remedial
attention to gifted students thirsty for greater challenge. The diversity of
needs forced me to continually expand my repertoire of methods to reach each
child effectively. I learned to value different types of intelligence and
creativity. Some students blossomed in science and math, others through art and
writing. My role was to help each identify and develop innate strengths.
Every student
became like a garden I tended. I carefully cultivated the soil, planted seeds,
nurtured growth, pruned weaknesses, and marveled as blossoms emerged. What a
beautiful garden took shape over the years! It was the honour of my lifetime to
participate in that process of cultivating human potential. The greatest reward
was seeing students thrive long after leaving my care - as engaged citizens,
loving parents, community leaders, and honorable friends.
This award
validated my belief that teaching is not about fame or superiority but service
and sacrifice. My approach was far from perfect. I made countless mistakes and
faced many frustrations. Perfection is not required to have an impact;
authentic dedication is. My labour in obscure classrooms mattered because I saw
students not as burdens but blessings. Looking into their eyes, I saw more than
test scores. I saw the longing to understand, to grow, to matter. Behind the
shy gaze, the furtive glare, the distracted indifference...there dwelled a
yearning spirit crying out to be known.
So I
persisted. On tedious days when progress seemed hopeless, I persisted. When
resources ran scarce and cynicism abounded, still I persisted. Because I
believed in them when they couldn't believe in themselves. I tended the
seedlings of potential with patient care. And one day, they blossomed into
young men and women standing tall, beaming with self-assurance.
Oh, what
sacrifice it took! The ungraded papers piled relentlessly as I rocked my
wailing baby through sleepless nights. My wife endured loneliness as a
teacher's widow while I counseled distressed students. We managed on rice and
lentils so I could photocopy curriculum handouts and furnish the classroom in
vibrant hues. The laughter, tears, joys, and griefs of three generations still
echo on these walls.
But the
harvest of changed lives made it all worthwhile. I share this honor today with
fellow teachers everywhere sowing invisible seeds of knowledge and values.
Yours is humble work done without fanfare. Keep nurturing growth through long
seasons of fruitlessness, for one day those seedlings will mature. Believe in
them until they believe in themselves.
My precious
students, you endured much at my inexperienced hands in those early years!
Thank you for returning smiles instead of scorn to this perpetually disheveled
lecturer. We were all fumbling in the dark, finding our footings together. Your
past questions challenged me to be a worthy guide. Your laughter taught me not
to take myself too seriously. Your thirst for knowledge, your sincerity, and
your contagious enthusiasm inspired me daily. I am here simply to reflect back
the light I saw burning brightly in each of you.
Actually,
I lead a very restless life. But, I am
completely satisfied with it because my sole objective is giving the best to my
dearest students and paving them the way to reach the pinnacle of their
education. Even though I spend a restless life, , when I have a break , I am
interested in going out of the country for even for a day or two and learning
about the differences in cultures and
seeing fantastic and picturesque places in such countries. Apart from that, I
am really a cricket fan even though I am not capable of playing cricket. In
2020,one of my dreams came true as I was
able to go to Dubai to watch the T20 World Cup Matches. The more I remember it,
the more happiness I feel.
“Perseverance
is the Mother of Success.” is not just a motto but it is something that created
the life of mine and thousands of others.
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