Dilan is an altruistic child - says the doctor mother

Dilan Sanjana Karunaratne, a student of Royal College, Colombo, has succeeded in securing the first place island-wide in the Biology stream of this year's G.C.E. Advanced Level Examination. Speaking to the media yesterday (01), he stated that he had not expected this result at all and that he felt immense happiness about being the first in the island.

Dilan, who received his primary education from Tangalle Primary School, gained admission to Royal College, Colombo, by scoring 184 marks in the Grade Five Scholarship Examination. Subsequently, he appeared for the G.C.E. Ordinary Level Examination and successfully obtained nine 'A' passes. His father, Mr. Lasantha Karunaratne, is a businessman by profession, and his mother, Mrs. Dilka Saranasinghe, works as a specialist doctor. She currently serves as the Director of the Polonnaruwa National Nephrology Hospital.

Explaining the plan he followed when facing the examination, Dilan stated that he completed his schoolwork and extra class assignments daily without procrastination. He also mentioned that since he was able to cover the entire syllabus before the exam, he had more time to discuss past papers. His main aspiration is to follow in his mother's footsteps and become a doctor in the future, providing excellent service to the country.

His main advice to students who will face examinations in the future is to attend school daily, participate in educational activities, and complete assigned tasks properly each day, which will inevitably lead them to their desired achievements. He expressed his heartfelt gratitude to his parents, who were constantly behind this massive achievement, as well as to the Principal of Royal College, Colombo, Anula Wijewardena, the class teacher Amal Gunaratne, and all the teachers including Walani Kalawana, Dulani, Wikum Senewiratne, Ranga Hettige, and Achala Dharmawickrama.

Commenting on her son's outstanding achievement, Specialist Doctor Dilka Saranasinghe stated that it brought immeasurable joy and that Dilan had given his parents the best possible reward for his dedication. She also said that Dilan is a very kind and fortunate child who helps others achieve success without selfishness. Maintaining a school attendance rate of 87 percent, he secured the first place in almost every examination held in Grades 12 and 13, rarely coming in second. His mother further added that he was a student who won the love of teachers in every class he studied and never hurt their feelings.