Monumental struggle to keep a village school going

School teacher as an unsung hero

- By Manjula D. Phillips

Roads which are not suits for traveling

(Isuru Dhanuddhara)

It is said that success is not measured by what you accomplish, but by the opposition you have encountered, and the courage with which you have maintained the struggle against overwhelming odds. When Janaka Dhanuddhara, a teacher and a graduate with a special in economics, took over teaching Galamuduna Junior School with just 25 students situated in the Knuckles (Dumbara) Mountain Range 6 years ago, he knew that the challenges ahead of him were considerable.

That was his second appointment as a teacher after teaching several years at Mihintale National School. He had to walk several kilometres daily to reach the school from his quarters as transport was scarce.

His second appointment was even more remote, as this school is situated in the Minipe Divisional Secretariat, and located in a rural village called Batumulla within the Knuckles mountain range. It is considered a rural area with limited resources for the students as well and villagers alike.