Message from the President/Chairman
Chairman’s Address to the 1st Batch of Students & Parents on 19th May 2009
Members of the staff, Ladies and Gentlemen, Students and their parents:
I am very happy to welcome all of you to our soft opening ceremony of South Asian Institute of Technology and Management (SAITM)
Indeed today is a very happy day for me, for within a short period of about seven months, this magnificent building was constructed. We laid the foundation stone on 16th June 2008, commenced construction in July 2008 and finished the structure in Feb 2009 in a matter of just 7 months and the final finishes have taken three months so that the whole building was constructed and finished in 10 months which I consider a record for Sri Lanka.
This building which is opened today at a cost of over Rs 600 Million is one of the most environmentally friendly educational institutes in the country, most of which are set up in houses and apartments unsuitable for education.
This purpose built building 90,000 Sq feet in extent on 4 acres of land is unique. The area has been landscaped using fruit trees.
I want you to live in harmony with the environment and nature. This good earth does not belong to man alone. There are millions of others that live and feed on these lands. The birds, butterflies, bees, you will see flitting across the land.
After almost a year of a disturbance due to construction I am now taking steps to attract them back in to the land where they once lived.
It is our duty, yours and mine to look after them, feed them love them and not destroy them. This neighborhood is a wonderful place. Our campus is surrounded by trees and paddy fields and is green as far as an eye could see if you watch from the upper floors.
The colour of the environment changes. Today you see this young green paddies which in a few weeks will turn brown with golden ears of rice. After harvest this land would be fallow till the rains bring water. When all the paddies will be submerged and it would be a sea of brown water.
After the water subsides the farmers get on to their fields and till the soil. At this time the fields are full of birds the white herons ( Koka ) and the black Corawakka, the blue coots with their shiny feathers and at times in the early parts of an year migratory birds arrive the flamingos from Siberia the winter visitors.
I am saying all these to make you aware that this land does not belong only to us humans, but also to millions of others, birds, bees and animals.
It is with this philosophy that the land will be landscaped. I have already got 250 plants, which have been planted and I invite all of you to take part and be a part of this process.
I encourage, birds, bees, insects and small animals like squirrels, lizards to come to this land watch them and enjoy.
Already birds doves and butterflies have made this building their home. Please do not disturb them.
I would strongly urge you to form a Wildlife and Nature protection society in our campus and study, learn and love nature.
In this vast building meant for you I have made it environmentally friendly to get the maximum free flow of air in to the building, light and minimum use of electricity. We will collect rain water and recycle some for washing purposes. Water today is a scare commodity in several areas of our land and the world over suffer from drought. So though we have plenty of water we should conserve and reuse water for sustainable living.
You will have a first class modern kitchen clad in tiles and stainless steel to prepare fresh wholesome meals at an economical price. Your restaurant will accommodate 150 students at any given time. You could also get your meal served and come down to the student areas where there are in built seats to enjoy your meals with your friends. Vijitha Yapa Book shop will be located here with all facilities like printing, photocopy, a communication centre, sell stamps and books for your use.
Finally, I wish to state that though this is a private fee paying institution you will have to observe strict code of discipline.
For some of you, this may be the first time that you are out of home without the presence of your parents. Please do not abuse your freedom. We have a strict code of conduct. Discipline with a capital D will be called for from each and every one of you including the staff.
Smoking inside the building and in the gardens are strictly prohibited in keeping with our Green Campus Concept.
Liquor is prohibited and it would be a serious offense to bring liquor in to the premises. I strongly urge our students to keep away from night clubs and be sober in your habits.
International schools in the past lost their reputation because of drunken brawls in night clubs, murder and other vile activities.
The authorities will view that type of misbehavior very seriously and may even have to request the parents to remove such students.
Our institution with well qualified teachers will teach you to learn. You will not be spoon-fed like in the tutories but you will be taught to think and learn independently.
Today knowledge has become a very valuable commodity. You should gain as much knowledge in the three years you are with us.
Towards this end your teachers will guide you.
We will equip our modern library with the latest books and also have CDs. These books are valuable. Please use them carefully.
We will have one of the best computer labs for IT and Management, Languages and New Media and Communication.
The auditorium will have 350 seats for degree convocations, theaters and my intention is also to have a Modern Faculty of Performing Arts and Music.
There will be scope to engage in Music and Drama. Please make use of the facilities.
This modern institution is my gift to the nation which has given me much, a good education, a good life and health. My parents knew the value of education as do your parents. Education is the best dowry that your parents will give you.
Remember that your parents are spending their hard earned money on your education. So, in the brief period you are with us make use of every minute to learn. The time lost can never be regained it is lost forever.
There are much more facilities provided for your use. Make use of them to improve your knowledge and be men of character. Do not compromise your character for anything in this world. Think right, do right by yourself, your parents and the world.
I wish all of you a pleasant stay with us. Make the experience here for your place as men and women in the future and be useful citizens of a united Sri Lanka.
Thank you.
Dr. Neville Fernando
MBBS (Ceylon)
Last updated : February 10th, 2009
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