“Rotary Honda Purudu Championship Season 4” Launched

The “Rotary Honda Purudu Championship Season 4” was launched marking a significant nationwide initiative to promote ethical values among school children across Sri Lanka. This program, open to all children, offers a unique opportunity to participate and earn recognition, contributing to the moral and civic development of the next generation.

Little Minds Strong Values – LMSV (යහ මඟට පිළිපන් – සිඟිති සිත් සවිමත්) is a national campaign led by the Ministry of Education in conjunction with Rotary.  It is an activity-based program using performing arts to support and complement the current curriculum of teaching values.  The belief is that the child will absorb and retain these values better with repetitive rehearsals and performances in mediums they enjoy while imparting those values to other children in the audience.  The Ministry’s Primary Education Branch, under the expert guidance of Mrs P.C.K. Pirisyala, Additional Secretary (Co-Curricular and Primary Education Development), has been instrumental in ensuring the success and reach of LMSV. The ministry officials’ dedicated efforts and valuable input have helped integrate this program into the educational framework of primary school children in all corners of the country.

The LMSV activity-based program is designed to instil strong ethical values in school children through 32 Sinhala and Tamil songs, all composed and directed by the renowned musician/Rotarian Past President Rukshan Perera. Each song is infused with powerful messages, promoting virtues such as respect for different religions and races, honouring parents and elders, kindness, honesty, and environmental stewardship. The lyrics address over 50 essential values, including expressing gratitude, practising honesty, and rejecting corruption —key traits that are vital for shaping responsible and conscientious citizens.

The Rotary Honda Purudu Championship encourages preschool, primary, and secondary school children to express these values creatively through Song, Dance, Speech, and Drama. This method of learning through artistic expression not only engages children but also deeply ingrains these values in their minds, making the process both educational and enjoyable.  Ms Rukmalee Kariyawasam, Director of Education at the Primary Education branch, Deputy Directors at the Primary Education branch, Ms Achini Balapatabendige, Mr. Samantha Gunathilake, Ms. Sakunthala Manoharan, and several other ministry officials have helped fine-tune the program.  Also, the provincial and zonal primary directors, their trainers, school teachers, and parents play a major role in supporting the LMSV program rolling out to government schools in all corners of the country and inculcating good values in children.

This year, Rs. 4 million has been set aside for the Season 4 Honda Purudu Championship, certificates, and awards and the deadline to enter the Championship is January 31st 2025.  Detailed instructions for participating in Season 4 are available on WWW.LMSV.LK under the menu item CHAMPIONSHIP. These awards will be given to children, teachers, and in-service advisors (or resource persons) who have excelled in supporting the children to engage in the LMSV program and join the Championship. The recognition serves as a testament to the commitment of both the students and the educators in building a value-based society.  The LMSV national Championship initiative in Sri Lanka not only showcases children’s extra-ordinary talent but also contributes to the creation of a future society grounded in ethics and civic-mindedness.

This collaboration between the Ministry and Rotary is a significant step toward nurturing the next generation of compassionate and responsible citizens.  We urge everyone to motivate the children in their homes, schools, and communities to join the championship and practice these good values. For more information: go to WWW.LMSV.LK, or contact LittleMindsStrongValues@gmail.com, WhatsApp: +94766111932, Tel: 0115995153