The Junior Trinity College Literary Association, with TIC Mrs. Madasekara, as its first project, has introduced ‘Famous Speeches by Famous People’ in to the Middle School assembly. Every week a member of the Junior TCLA presents a famous speech that changed the course of humanity.
The speaker first introduces the original speaker, speech and the time frame. He would also create the atmosphere of that time, venue and the necessary tension. Then, he would narrate the famous speech as it is.
This is an ongoing project, some of the speeches delivered so far are:
Winston Churchill’s ‘We will fight in the Beaches’ recited by R.M.P.M. Ratnayake,
Abraham Lincoln’s ‘Gettysburg address‘ by S.K.A. Wavita,
William Shakespeare, Mark Antony’s oration given in Caesar’s funeral by A.M. Jameel,
Charlie Chaplain’s ‘Famous Speech from the Great Dictator‘ by H.M.D.S. Herath,
Lakshman Kadirgamar’s speech to Sri Lanka Cricket after their World Cup loss to England by K.A. Tennekoon,
Kumar Sangakkara’s MCC Cowdrey Lecture at Lords, 2011 by L. Rahula,
Patrick Henry’s, ‘Give me liberty or give me death’ by S.J.B. Boyagoda, and
Abdul Kalam’s ‘Dynamics of Unity of Nations’ addressed to the European Parliament by M. Zaffarullah.
The main aim of this project is to introduce students to English literature and language. A speech is given for a reason, and listening to a speech delivered by a gentleman, with fully mastery of English is very valuable.
In the recent years, most students at Trinity College seem to have lost interest in literature and lack an understanding of its value. The Junior TCLA established this project specifically in order to refine and polish students competency in the English language in a creative way.
The speeches also provide a more dynamic way to teach students, rather than be limited to what is on our text books. It takes each and every seated student back in time to relive some of the world’s most defining moments. Characterization of the original orators is used to describe his/her personality. It gives the listener an immense feeling of empathy to think that this same speech was actually delivered for a much valid cause.
All gratitude should be given to the Principal of Trinity College, for inspiring, encouraging and influencing the Junior TCLA to initiate such a project; the Choir Master, for giving his advice at the initiation of the project; the Headmaster of the Middle School, for giving the Junior TCLA the opportunity to continue this project; the Sectional Head, for motivating us to move the project forward.
However, most gratitude must be given to our Teacher-in-Charge who thought, planned, and put this project in to action. The Junior TCLA aims to inspire the Middle School students, to help in the process of making them a true Trinitian. May you too be inspired by this project!
The Junior Trinity College Literary Association
