Pragna Pradeepa : 27 years and beyond... “I am answerable to the People”

‘Pragna Pradeepa’, a charitable project to donate school books and other necessities to poor and needy children, a concept by Western Provincial Councillor Jayantha de Silva marks its 27th anniversary this year. Started with the intention of encouraging the children of poor families not to give up education, the project itself has become the trademark of Jayantha de Silva.   
 “Pragna Pradeepa”, as the motto of his concept indicates that his pioneering movement is identified as “a beacon of wisdom”.   
In our discussion, Jayantha de Silva dealt in detail about his concept and how he set about it.  

"Today people are faced with many difficulties, the main contributor is economy. When a person’s earnings are not sufficient, it affects his mental stability"

Q  At a time the social values are dishonoured, how does “Pragna Pradeepa” encounter its challenges?

As long as you live with a self-acclaimed ego, a person can never mingle in society. He becomes isolated lacking in qualities of helping others. I made a deep study on this subject. Society is corrupt. People are lured towards anti social activities without their knowledge; very seldom do we see people engage in social activities. When I first launched this with gifts of books, I was discouraged, but I was inspired by my father who was also my mentor, guide and philosopher. To quote his last words “Son, when you die leave something for people to talk about accomplishment”. I am proud to recollect my father’s advice that laid a solid foundation for “Pragna Pradeepa”.  

Q Could you share the inception of this concept and how did it root out?  

With the blessings of my parents, I received everything I needed for my education. I studied at Ananda College where I was groomed in social service activities. With these acts I performed I derived a complete mental happiness. I then decided that I would one day initiate a social activity to give away free books to schoolchildren in the Colombo District.  

"As long as you live with a self-acclaimed ego, a person can never mingle in society. He becomes isolated lacking in qualities of helping others. I made a deep study on this subject. Society is corrupt. People are lured towards anti social activities without their knowledge"

Q There is a belief that politicians are bent on giving false promises and they are categorised as unfaithful. We appreciate your comments...  

I have a vision. Politicians are chosen by people. He/she should refrain from working against the people. He is answerable to the people and serve them with an awareness of this fact. This was why I had polled the highest preferential votes from the Borella electorate. Not only in politics, in other profession too people who lie and deceive have no future. People have every right to comment or on our activities. I visit every funeral house in the area. Some may consider it is unnecessary. Today people are faced with many difficulties, the main contributor is economy. When a person’s earnings are not sufficient, it affects his mental stability. Avenues for his children’s education become affected. So they become stranded. As a family they are unable to meet their expectations and are confined to their homes. Under  “Pragna Pradeepa” the beneficiaries are able to make holiday tours twice a year. My services are not restricted to the Colombo District. We lend a helping hand to the outstation children as well. Therefore, do not level the charge that Jayantha de Silva is donating these books in order to win elections.  

Q  Any arrangements to commemorate the 27th anniversary of donating books?  

My secretary A. Sumith Perera had organised this year’s occasion in a novel manner, along with the support of my staff. Arrangements have been made to gift all school requirements, and also to increase the number of scholarships. We hope to conduct educational seminars free of charge. Strategies to be drawn to elevate the economic status of the students’ parents. We are also in the process of formulating a programme to enhance the facilities provided to the carters’ children.