Education is one of the most fundamental elements for all human beings, as it defines who a person truly is, and my time at the Oblate Institute of Higher Learning as a post-O/L student proved this to be very true.

The institute, ‘Dev Arana’, stands as a great place, not just a classroom to learn English, but a safe space flourishing with Mother Nature’s blessings and the Lord’s guidance, where we were truly reshaped as obedient and well-disciplined students.

Throughout this time period, I learned many important values and the harsh truths about the world, discovering the real ways of living life far more deeply than I learned English alone. I was deeply motivated by the pure honesty of Rev. Fr. Asanga Viraj, whose strong patriotism and deep love for Sri Lanka were a big part of our growth. He never hesitated in telling us the reality of the world through his fascinating yet harsh life stories, constantly criticizing our mistakes to shape us into better versions of ourselves, where his grammar lessons weren’t just about English. Rev. Fr. Mark’s dedication and hard work in teaching us Comprehension & Composition are something that must truly be admired; if it weren’t for his hard efforts, we wouldn’t be able to comprehend and compose properly. Throughout the Spoken English sessions, Rev. Fr. Amila and Rev. Fr. Shalinda were there, backing and guiding us to speak English fluently through a variety of group work and presentations, which helped us to overcome any fears and become self-confident. This hard work of the academic staff is a very significant quality that can only be seen in people who truly care for the future. They constantly put out their absolute maximum in sharing knowledge and good advice with our minds and guiding us closely through every problem.

In addition to the academic staff, we engaged in many memorable group activities, taking part in a live debate and even cooking food together as a class, which brought us closer than ever before. These shared moments were not just for fun, but they acted as practical lessons that built our teamwork, improved our public speaking, and taught us the value of unity, making the entire learning process a truly heartwarming experience.

Therefore, this short yet remarkable time period has been a great experience for me, not just as a mere English course, but as a transformative life lesson that constructs the discipline, respect, and self-control necessary to become a responsible and obedient citizen who stands out in this corrupted society.