Mr Bridge Builder commemorated in Horana, Sri Lanka

The children and parents of the Sathkara school honored the memory of Mr. Hans Petter Hanssen during their school certificate awarding ceremony in Horana. They gathered at the small pond in Dolahena where the "Hanssen Bridge" monument was erected in 2013. A candle was lit, and the gathering paid a moment of silent prayer or meditation to commemorate Hans Petter. A short speech was given by Asbjorn and Siripala:
"We have come together to commemorate a teacher and close friend of HELP, Hans Petter Hanssen. He died peacefully in hospital on 6 December in Norway. He became almost 80 years old.
Hans Petter was 2 m tall, always standing straight-backed like a pole, but he was even bigger as an ideal and as an inspirator to us.
During a long life, he worked as a primary and secondary school teacher, as a folk high school teacher and principal.
He wanted very much to see "free and open" schools for the common people, rooted in people's local culture, but open to the world. "Think globally, act locally", was his philosophy.
Hans Petter was also much concerned with the way we use and exploit our environment, Mother Earth.
We were influenced by his humble way of teaching, his visions and ideals, his life philosophy. He remained a true friend and supporter of HELP (Manawa Parisara Sanrakshana Sangamaya) and your Sathkara programme here in Horana. He was like a "bridge builder" - palana hadana mahatmaya - and this bridge here in Dolahena symbolizes Hans Petter's life. The bridge is a place where people can come across, meet, share and learn from each other.
May Hans Petter rest in Peace.
May the Bridge Builder attain Enlightenment: Palana hadana mahatmaya-ta nivan sæpa at veva."



The Sathkara School in Dolahena with children and parents gathered at the "Hanssen Bridge" on Saturday 19 Dec to honour the memory of Hans Petter Hanssen.