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Kamal Kumara Weeragunarathne Sahabandu Has bagged Asia's Rising Star of the Year

Kamal Kumara Weeragunarathne Sahabandu Has bagged Asia's Rising Star of the Year

My Journey Towards  The  Asia Awards…

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:

  • Under the category, “Asia's Education Awards” with a praiseworthy award title,“Asia's Award for Outstanding Contribution to Education”
  • Under the category, “Asia's Global Awards” with a praiseworthy award title, “Asia's Golden Globe Award”
  • Under the category, “Asia's Tutor Awards” with a praiseworthy award title, “Asia's Inspiring English Tutor Award”
  • Under the category. “Asia's Outstanding Awards” with a praiseworthy award title, “Asia's Outstanding Educational Institute Award”
  • Under the category, “Asia's Inspiring Awards” with a praiseworthy award title, “Asia's Top Inspiring Educational Institute”
  • Under the category, “Asia's Star Awards” with a praiseworthy award title, “Asia's Rising Star of the Year”
  • Under the category, “Asia's Academic Awards” with a praiseworthy award title, “Asia's Excellence Award for Visiting lecturer” 

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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