DVB Kilinochichi Branch supports Gopika Rajarathnam to foster education and growth

Saturday, 26 October 2013 10:36 - - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}

In an on-going venture to support and develop the local community, DFCC Vardhana Bank (DVB) Kilinochichi branch came forward to support Gopika Rajarathnam, a talented student with bright prospects. Marking a first in the history of St. Theresa Girls School in Kilinochichi, Gopika topped the batch, obtaining 3As in her A Levels. Commemorating the accolade, the Kilinochichi branch of DVB presented Gopika with a six-month internship at the branch. DVB also rewarded her at the school’s prize giving and asked what she would like to have, for which her humble reply was that she would like to have a bicycle. While rewards were given to the people who were instrumental in assisting her in her studies, such as the teachers and principal, the bank also donated a stock of dictionaries in English, Sinhalese and Tamil to the St. Theresa Girls School library. When disaster struck

It was one of those days during the war that she was born in Iranamadu, where she never knew of a permanent home. The family had to keep moving from place to place to be safe from shelling. Disaster struck when she was only four years old as due to the lack of medical care, she lost her mother during child birth. She lost her father too in an unfortunate way due to the Northern conflicts but however was fortunate that a relative agreed to bring her up. The only home they had in Iranamadu too was destroyed to the ground by shelling. “Here at DVB we have recognised the wealth of potential in the educational sector in the country and we encourage and support the development of our youth. With the growth of our bank, our ability to engage in community activities has also grown allowing us to contribute in developing societies nationwide. It is of great importance that we engage in such activities as with a little help and encouragement the youth of our country can reach incredible accomplishments,” stated DVB CEO Lakshman Silva. He further added, “The prodigy, Gopika Rajarathnam, who achieved these perfect results, should be applauded for her determination and hard work. Having lost both her parents with one of them due to the northern conflicts she was resolute on making the best of life. Having set this goal in mind, she reached it against all odds and DVB commends her effort.” "The prodigy, Gopika Rajarathnam, who achieved these perfect results, should be applauded for her determination and hard work. Having lost both her parents with one of them due to the northern conflict she was resolute on making the best of life. Having set this goal in mind, she reached it against all odds and DVB commends her effort – DVB CEO Lakshman Silva" Exposure to hidden talent The Bank Manager of DVB, Kilinochichi disclosed, “We are glad to have discovered Gopika as it opens up many avenues in the Kilinochichi district helping us aid the youngsters and foster growth in education. We feel the district as a whole can advance to great heights through sheer determination and we hope to support this.” The initiative taken by DVB has given exposure to hidden talent in Kilinochichi, which will contribute towards the progress of the district and the country as a whole. Gopika has a long and bright future ahead of her and positive initiatives like these will not only help identify but also cultivate an environment of growth, development and positive improvement in the country.