Northern Province Played a Pioneering Role in Shaping Primary Education, Says Former Chief Secretary

Jaffna: The Northern Province has played a pioneering role in shaping and developing primary education, former Northern Province Chief Secretary E. Ilangovan said while praising the region’s long-standing contribution to the country’s education sector.

He made the remarks while delivering the keynote address at the launch of two books authored by former Northern Province Provincial Director of Education, Dr. N. Thanigasalam Pillai, held on Wednesday at the Sabalingam Hall of Jaffna Hindu College.

The event was chaired by Ilangovan and attended by Northern Province Governor N. Vethanayagan and several educationists, government officials and prominent members of the community.

Speaking at the event, Ilangovan said the Northern Province’s education sector has historically worked with the long-term vision of building an educated and progressive society. He noted that the province had played a leading role in structuring primary education and highlighted the important contribution made by the late Divakala to its development.

He also praised Dr. Thanigasalam Pillai as an accomplished educationist and his former teacher, describing him as a distinguished son of Jaffna Hindu College.

According to Ilangovan, Dr. Thanigasalam Pillai has authored 15 books and continues to make valuable contributions to education and society despite his advanced age.

He said the continued publication of educational books was encouraging and called for more such works to be produced to further strengthen the Northern Province’s rich educational tradition.

The two books launched at the ceremony were “Childhood Education and Primary Activities” and “Easy Tamil in Foreign Countries,” both written by Dr. N. Thanigasalam Pillai.

Northern Province Governor N. Vethanayagan officially released the books, with Professor Devaraja receiving the first copy.

Sivashri Sundareswara Kurukkal delivered the religious blessing at the event.

The occasion also included a special ceremony honouring several medical professionals attached to the Jaffna Teaching Hospital, including Specialist Dr. Sivan Suthan, Specialist Dr. Aravindan and Professor Dr. Balakovi, in recognition of their services.

Jaffna District Secretary Maruthalingam Pradeepan, Kopay Kalasalai Principal Laleesan, Jaffna Zonal Director of Education Mrs. Malathi Mukundan, former Jaffna Mayor and Attorney-at-Law Viswalingam Manivannan, Valampuri newspaper Editor Nalliah Vijayasundaram, and Sri Lanka Siva Sena Organisation President Maravanpulavu K. Sachchithananthan were among those who attended the event.