YA TV features the conference

Young Asia Television (YA TV), the premier youth channel with national and regional outreach, features the Future Leaders Conference for Reconciliation on their 'Sri Lanka Today' programme with Tarika Wickremeratne. Click on the video below to watch.

Sri Lanka Unites FLC visuals

One Smile, One Country, One Sri Lanka

Growing a new generation of leaders to champion reconciliation in Sri Lanka

We are grateful to our American volunteer, Tom Kearney, for these professional and creative videos

Future Leaders Conference, Day 5

Day 5, Just the Beginning

The end of a profound conference came on August 11 when students packed their belongings to begin their voyage home. The two morning sessions were much more relaxed in comparison to the other days, and only one speaker had been scheduled for that morning’s proceedings. Sri Lanka Unites delivered the two sessions with an emphasis on commitment and persistence in the fight for reconciliation. A common criticism of stand-alone conferences is that they provide no means for learning to be put into practice. A few months or even weeks after a conference, the attitude of the participants tends to settle towards apathy, and the attendees no longer care or even remember what they had experienced at the retreat. This was not to be the case with the Future Leaders Conference of 2009. Sri Lanka Unites has put an extensive amount of effort into constructing a follow-up program so that the students will be able to transform their inspiration into action. A 37 week guidebook will be available to all students by the beginning of the school terms that details practical steps to begin SLU chapters in their schools and communities. Other weeks contains articles, movies, and even some experiential learning games. The morning sessions introduced these concepts as they focused on ways to continue action beyond the theoretical world and into the practical realm. At the end of the session, the Minister of Education, Susil Premajayantha, came and spoke at the conference. He expressed his gratitude for Sri Lanka Unites’s vision and the power that the youth had to change their country. He stated, “We are at the beginning of a new era in Sri Lanka, your era, for you students to become future leaders of our country.”

Day 5, A Time for Healing

Many of the students have been personally affected by the war by the war, and SLU has incorporated a motion of closure as a part of their ending program. During the final meetings of the small groups, the volunteer leaders took their time explaining their own prejudices and faults and asked the group for their forgiveness. This touching time was reciprocated as many of the students detailed their emotions and asked for each others’ pardon. Forgiveness is a necessary step of reconciliation. The past cannot merely be buried beneath the hopes and dreams of tomorrow. To truly heal a country’s wounds, the past must be addressed forthwith. Only once the people truly put their animosity behind them and are reconciled to each other can the path to peace be opened.

Day 5, The Voyage Home

Throughout the morning and early afternoon, the halls were bustling with the presence of hurried students trying to collect as many phone numbers and as much contact information as possible with the dwindling hours left at the conference site. The conference marked its last hours with several last entertainment events in the auditorium. The Kandy Knights were announced as the winners of FLC Season 1, and James Li conducted his last martial arts demonstration. As one final music performance came to a close, the students reluctantly said their goodbyes. Several media outlets looked on as the students gradually left the MAS Institute and began their return home. For some, this meant a short 2 hour drive, yet many others would need to endure a 10 hour trip across the country. The SLU staff was one of the last groups to leave. As the transportation approached Colombo, various people got off at their destinations until the core staff finally arrived back at the SLU office, exhausted and satisfied with all of the successes of the previous 5 days.

Day 5, Connecting People Together

Already, SLU has impacted the nation in unexpected ways. Initial reports state that students have approached their principals with various proposals without waiting for the school term to begin. One group even proposed a mini-conference to be held in several months’ time for their friends who did not have the good fortune to attend the Future Leaders Conference. Students have shared their experiences with peers and adults, and Sri Lanka Unites has been receiving positive reports from those who have heard the students recount their experiences. Some have written SLU and offered their services to facilitate Sri Lanka Unites’s continuing vision. The media coverage has been positive, and articles on SLU are cropping on multiple newspapers and online sources. As the polo crew takes a well deserved break for a few days, they can rest with the knowledge that organizing and launching the mission of Sri Lankan reconciliation was a fantastic triumph. The Future Leaders Conference of 2009 is having an impact far greater than anything we could have imagined.

Future Leaders Conference, Day 4

Day 4, The Final Test

A long night of debriefing ended at 2:30 AM when the SLU team finally arrived back at their temporary residences to close shop for the night. The following morning, I opted for some extra sleep and awoke at 9:00 AM on the final full day of the conference. The leisurely walk to the conference hall allowed me to appreciate the students’ small group sessions before I entered the grounds of the main building of the MAS Institute campus. With the last complete day of the conference looming, the outcome of the upcoming events would be the most transparent test for the success of the entire venture. The staff was quite aware that their months of hard work culminated with the final and lasting impressions that would be engraved upon the minds of their audience.

Day 4, Uniting Generations

With breakfast cleared for the morning, the students marched to the auditorium for the first time that morning where they were to listen to Nayana Karunarathna, the founder of a successful branch of salons in Sri Lanka. Her light-hearted and motherly tone connected with the audience as she recounted her experiences as a young girl amidst the horror of the war. Her salons do not discriminate against any ethnicity, and her heart-felt emphasis on the importance of a united Sri Lanka captured the interest of students and staff alike. Since the theme the day was “The Leader in You,” Karunarathna revealed her Ten Commandments for personal quality that included honesty, personal image, and confidence. Her session was immediately followed by the experienced Justice C.G. Weeramanthri, the former Vice President of the International Court of Justice. He emphasized the importance that ancient tradition can have on the deciding the future. By giving storied examples from all four of Sri Lanka’s major religions, he portrayed the need for the incorporation of tradition into modern solutions. In fact, an ancient story even forbids the use of devastating weapons, a striking parallel to the anti-nuclear proliferation discussions of today. Justice Weeramanthri gave voice to the importance of unity for various ethnicities and religions with the remainder of his speech. The daily question and answer period have consistently shown that these young adults are sincerely interested in the ways they and serve their country. Many of the questions revolve around advice for creating a better tomorrow or techniques for overcoming future challenges. This concern not only uncovers a deep-seated passion for Sri Lanka, but a selfless attitude in achieving a better future.

Day 4, The Cricket Legend

The students broke for lunch around 1:45 in the afternoon before returning to the auditorium for a presentation from the company Janet about personal presentation in the corporate world. At the end of the presentation, Janet gave out a personal hygiene kit to each of their listeners. What happened next will be noted as the highlight of the conference by much of the onlookers. The Sri Lankan icon and internally renown cricket player, Sanath Jayasuriya was introduced to the stage with an energetic video clip displaying his amazing abilities. His motivational speech inspired many of the students and they expressed their gratitude personally during the lengthy questioning that followed. Some inquired after his cricket experiences while others were interested with his interpretation of Sri Lanka’s current situation. One young man even noted that Sri Lanka Unites had made his longtime dream of speaking with his favorite icon a reality. Jayasuriya did not fail to impress as he answered every question from the star-struck students with care and deliberation. Afterwards, each team had the opportunity to have their photograph taken with the sports legend.

Day 4, Outdoors

As a part of their visit, India’s breakthrough team organized an experiential learning session for this afternoon. While the teams walked onto the spacious grounds of the MAS Institute, I spoke with Kau, a member of the breakthrough team, about his group’s work in Bangalore, India. The organization utilizes group games and outdoor activities to promote trust, cooperation, and other life skills that are necessary for leaders both in the corporate and personal spheres. Today, volunteers imparted their skills to the students by teaching them several experiential games such as the “Trust Pendulum,” an activity where people surround a central person while the figure in the middle must fall straight back and trust others to support him as he is passed around the group. A discussion followed on the thoughts of the students’ various reactions to the game. The outdoor activities allowed for an excellent segway into the sports for the evening, where the young adults once again enjoyed themselves with cricket, races, and other pastimes.




Day 4, Competition and Cooperation

Personal expression and creativity ruled much of the evening with the second art event of the conference. Tensions grew competitive as each team was presented with a small canvas on which to paint their envisioned future for Sri Lanka. After an appropriate time interval, the paintings were judged by their artistic, creative, and visionary, expression. The entire event was facilitated by Sabrina, SLU’s program coordinator, and the American team from Orlando, Florida. This period was one of the most energetic and crowded experiences of the conference so far. Almost all of the students had gathered in the lobby, and pockets of close-knit individuals worked hurriedly to finish their canvas for submission. The excitement and noise provided excellent representation of the community and spirit of the conference as a whole.

Day 4, The Concert Finale

The final night of entertainment featured a stellar line-up of Sri Lankan A-List stars. Ashanthi, Dushanth, Umara, and Umariya arrived at the conference hall after dark and began the final night of the retreat with the students’ exuberant approval. The night felt more like a concert than a performance since the singers expressed their gratitude to Sri Lanka Unites and even dedicated several of their songs to different groups including a surprising gospel tune for all of the international volunteers. Umara and Umariya sang several tracks while Ashanthi rapped and belted out her own personal style. Dushanth kept the crowd cheering with his style, charisma, and skillful imitations of Michael Jackson. The festivities ended with a final song in the traditional Sri Lankan style. The audience once again danced and sang along from start to finish of the concert, and everyone felt that it was an appropriate way to end a spectacular evening.

However, the night was not yet concluded since many of the students remained awake on the adrenaline of the moment. As the SLU staff let down their guard and allowed themselves some relaxation, several of the youth started their own dancing party outside the cafeteria, and soon a small crowd gathered to celebrate the impending end of a wonderful conference. The final full day, by any standard, has been a resounding triumph. An annonymous evaluator remarked that, "SLU’s perseverance and diligence in compiling a cohesive program on hope, leadership, and reconciliation have equated to a powerful and contagious movement. Their efforts have not fallen on deaf ears."

Future Leaders Conference: Day 3

Day 3, Community

At 8:00 in the morning, the second full day of the conference already looked promising. Most of the SLU team was present at the conference hall, and the morning sessions were only now about to begin. By the time I arrived, the students had finished their first group gathering of the day and were headed towards the auditorium. SLU has incorporated group discussions and icebreakers as a key feature of the Future Leaders Conference as agreed upon in their original vision for a nationwide community. The volunteers have proved instrumental in building relationships among the members of their teams at a steady and surprisingly swift pace. These small groups nurture an environment that breaks down the barriers of shyness and unfamiliarity while strengthening community and teamwork. Not only are the students benefiting from the smaller communities, but India’s Breakthrough team has been teaching classes with experiential learning techniques for the teachers and chaperones in an effort to provide a comprehensive experience for all of the participants. The response on both accounts has been overwhelmingly positive.

Day 3, The Potential of Sri Lanka

The first session was delivered by Rohantha Athukorala, a man of many jobs who is currently the National Portfolio Development Manager for UNOPS, and formerly the Director, Economics of the Government Peace Secretariat. He had once also been country manager for JohnsonDiversey in Sri Lanka and the Maldives. Students paid their full attention to Rohantha as he expounded the qualities of a true leader through illustrations of the Athens 2004 Olympics. His talk included encouraging developments taking place in the Northern and Eastern Provinces, especially in Jaffna, where the nation shows a surprising amount of growth and possibility despite its recent unfortunate circumstances. Much to the delight of the students, Rohantha interspersed his session with several humorous adds and short video clips. Athukorala has spent much of his career encouraging the development of young people into confident and solid individuals. His excitement was evident as he paid close attention to the students’ questions, and he relished the chance to answer the queries with detailed responses.

After a 15 minute break, the second lecture of the day was given by Kushil Gunasekera, the founder of the Foundation of Goodness. Kushil unfolded his moving story of growing up in the coastal village of Seenigama during a time when opportunities were limited. As the son of a privileged family, he had every chance to succeed in life. Not wishing to remain private with this power, he later returned to his village and started the Foundation of Goodness for the improvement of Seenigama and its surrounding regions. Today, his organization has achieved a positive and sincere reputation across the country by sponsoring a multitude of empowerment programs. This session provided the opportunity for the students to see firsthand what practical steps could be taken in Sri Lanka to improve their situation.

Day 3, Reconciliation in Action

The students received a respite from their learning experience when lunch was served, and the friendly atmosphere was quickly transferred to the dining hall where students continued to laugh and enjoy themselves. The students have been openly outspoken about their enjoyment of the entire experience. The smiling faces that constantly greet us as we walk the corridors are a testament to the native potential of this land. On a lighter note, the martial artist and Hollywood star James Li shared a part of his life story growing up as a Asian immigrant in the U.S. Though he experienced racism as a child, he grew to befriend those whom he once resented, and he encouraged the students to use the potential they possess as young leaders to empower those around them. The festivities continued as the students rushed outside to compete in cricket and other events. Sports, perhaps more than any other medium, can connect young people. The binding ties that have formed between these students as a result of their cooperation and competition will not soon be forgotten.

Day 3, An Evening of Experience

As the sun set on yet another day, the students prepared their groups for the upcoming cultural festival that will pit team against team with dramatic and musical interpretations of reconciliation in action. While most participants spent a comfortable hour showering, relaxing, and changing into native dress, the SLU staff enjoyed a well-deserved break from a breakneck schedule. The night began with a truly wonderful spectacle as 400 students each wearing a unique sari or sarong filed into the auditorium. Prashan, dressed in his own sarong, opened the night by emphasizing the leadership and consideration that the trustees of Sri Lanka Unites have invested into the Future Leaders Conference. Mr. Eran Wickramaratne, CEO of NDB Bank and trustee of Sri Lanka Unites, then proceeded to take the stage and recall the following three important decisions in his life: choosing a wife, choosing to participate in the peace talks with the LTTE in 2002, and granting his entire staff a vacation. The gravity of the speech centered on the second of these three decisions and the students were shocked to learn of his experience in the secluded northern compound of the LTTE. Though the peace talks broke down, Mr. Wickramaratne was able to ascertain the need for reconciliation and the similarities of peoples across the nation regardless of foreign stereotypes.

Day 3, Sri Lankan Culture: The Traditional and The Modern

The entertainment section took flight with a contagious hip-hop beat as the singer Krishan took the stage. After several days of uncertainty, Krishan, the first mainstream Tamil rapper, pledged his presence at the conference, further diversifying the mix of guests who have sacrificed their time to bring the vision of a united Sri Lanka together. Once again the students roared and clapped their support for this famous personage and where quickly invited onto the stage where Krishan sang several of his tracks from his latest album. His initial performance proved to be only the first act of his appearance as he agreed to remain as a judge for the upcoming cultural festival.


The environs took on a more subtle tone as the students achieved an impressive feat of creativity as each team had a unique way of expressing the theme of reconciliation via song, drama, or skit. While some chose to portray ethnic conflict and a consequent resolution, others gave stirring speeches from the perspectives of a Burgher, a Muslim, a Christian, a Sinhalese, or a Tamil. The Galle Gladiators were awarded first place and subsequently granted the title “Sri Lanka Unites Superstars,” courtesy of Danu, SLU’s media and entertainment director. Krishan gave a final performance and left the stage after a sincere offer of gratitude on behalf of the SLU team. Throughout the day, the theme of using personal power to empower others was raised consistently. If this simple virtue can be ingested into the behavior of even just a few people, Sri Lanka has a brighter future ahead of itself.

Future Leaders Conference: Day 2

Day 2, The First Morning

Even though most of the team went to bed around 2:00 AM after an excellent day, Sri Lanka Unites’s was awake and preparing the following day’s events by 7:00 Saturday morning. The SLU Polo Crew and several international volunteers are being housed in rooms ten minutes away from the main center on the MAS Institute campus while the students and their group leaders enjoy comfortable dormitories at the conference hall. After a quick stroll, we were able to join the rest of the crew for a brief breakfast before the main sessions began. Once seated in the auditorium, a short video revealed the outline of the coming day’s contents. The day ahead promised to examine the chaos of a divided nation while the remaining days delved into the potential of Sri Lanka, the strength of a unified country, and the leadership qualities that reside in every person.

Day 2, Eminent Speakers and Engaged Students

After a complimentary introduction, Jayantha Dhanapala delivered the first session of the conference. The students listened with rapt attention as the former runner-up for the position of U.N. Secretary General spoke of the characteristics of true leaders, the effective strategy of inclusiveness, and the universal nature of human rights. He emphasized the development of strong moral fiber in order to confront difficult situations and the necessity of forming an inclusive mindset to avoid stereotyping. Human rights, a guiding star for making key decisions, is not only a Western concept but is deeply intertwined with universal human dignity.

The students voiced their queries with a lengthy question and answer session. The initial shyness was broken by one brave girl, and she was soon after followed by a torrent of questions that had to be cut short so that the schedule could remain on time. Kumar Rupasinghe, another eloquent and respected speaker, spoke after a forty-five minute break about the past mistakes of Sri Lanka and of the precedents that Martin Luther King and Mahatma Gandhi have set for its renewal. The powerful morning sessions ended when the students broke for a well-deserved lunch and some thoughtful reflection.




Day 2, Unexpected Creativity

While the students enjoyed their morning, the Orlando team was busy erecting their massive canvas just outside the cafeteria within an open-air hallway where the lighting and setting was best suited for artistic endeavors. By lunchtime, a few sample pictures had already been painted along the border to encourage the students’ participation. Though the canvas had been divided in four sections for four days, the students, eager to show off their enthusiasm, filled up the entire canvas in one day during the lunch period. This burst of creativity is very welcome, and the Orlando team has already made preparations for new surface to be used tomorrow.

Lunch was soon followed by a group of ten speeches from representatives from each of the teams. These short talks were very intellectual in nature and only prove the motivation and talent of these young people. Already, the language and feelings that these young Lankans use when communicating with their fellow peers is very accepting and reveals a remarkable shift from the mistrust harbored during 3 decades of war. Games of cricket, rugby, and tug of war continued the bonding experience as students succeeded to unite their group with team spirit and to win points for the night’s impending score report.

Day 2, Breaking Barriers

If there had been any questions about the attendees’ high spirits the previous day, all doubts were shattered when the students returned to the auditorium for the evening. Once the teams’ logos were displayed on the projector, the sense of comradery and competitive sportsmanship that erupted from the enthused response of the students assured that everyone genuinely enjoyed themselves right where they stood. The students already possess budding relationships with those they would never have had the opportunity to meet only a short time ago. As of now, the Kandy Knights hold the strong lead with the Galle Gladiators following in second place. Manik Mendis’s motivational speech in Sinhalese (with a Tamil translation) was greatly appreciated and allowed for a fitting segway from the previous excitement into the rest of the evening.

Day 2, New Arrivals

As the skies outside turned black, news reached SLU that the Jaffna students had almost arrived. The host of greeters who left the auditorium to anxiously await their presence erupted into applause as two vans pulled up to the entrance and the Jaffna students walked in to the building to individually shake the hand of Prashan De Visser, SLU’s president. The teachers later told the staff that the unexpected welcome alone had made the 10 hour drive worthwhile. With all of the students present for the first time, Sri Lanka Unites has achieved something that has never before been done in the history of the nation. They have succeeded in bringing hundreds of people from the four corners of the country in a spirit of goodwill, reconciliation, and new beginnings. This insight is not lost on the students as they continually emphasize the importance of this conference and the change they hope to initiate once they return.

Day 2, Unwinding with Understanding

After dinner, the entire crowd of Lankans entered the auditorium where the stage was set for Rukshan Mark, a popular Sri Lankan entertainer who graciously agreed to play several songs for the evening. The previous intellectual atmosphere of the morning was replaced with an electric feel as Danu hosted the show and introduced the special guest with a friendly stage performance. Once the stage was his, Rukshan began an up-beat song that had the crowd on their feet within moments both dancing and clapping. Rukshan invited many people on stage to the obvious delight of the audience and even presented them with copies of his album. A pleased crowd was dismissed for the night to sleep and to look forward to an event-filled tomorrow with four more prominent speakers, more creativity, and more learning.

Sri Lanka Unites FLC vlog - 8th Aug - 'Voices on Canvas'

Participants at the Sri Lanka Unites Future Leaders Conference express their thoughts and hopes on a huge canvas installed by our fantastic art team from Orlando, Florida.

Future Leaders Conference: Day 1

Day 1, The Arrival

On the premiere day of the conference, two vans left to transfer the SLU staff to the conference site at 7:00 and 8:30 AM. With the guidebook finished and ready to print, I took a later ride at 2:00 PM and left with the VP, Dhishan, the Assistant VP, Anush, and several other SLU members. We were accompanied by several of the schools from around the Colombo area, and it was easy to note the excited ambiance throughout the ride. We arrived at the MAS Institute several hours later. By this time it was clear that most of the students had arrived and were soon to be eating dinner. The registration process proved to be time consuming and be the time the students were ushered into the main hall at 8:30 PM, it was a full hour-and-a-half after the scheduled starting time. This detail quickly dissipated into the background as a spectacular opening ceremony commenced.

Day 1, Commencement

The main auditorium is a spacious opening, seating a full 500 people when chairs are brought in to line the back wall. Vibrant reds and oranges that cover the stage in the front of the room provide an atmospheric and modern setting while mixing well with Sri Lanka Unites’ own colors; red, orange, yellow and green. The banners displaying the theme and purpose of the Future Leaders Conference of 2009 that hung from the wall had been brought in that morning in the flurry of busyness that has become trademark of the past several days. The opening ceremony truly began with an amazing touch. As students leisurely sauntered in to find their seats, Tom Kearney’s well prepared video demonstrating the chaos and hope of Sri Lanka started to play. The video featured a satellite image of Sri Lanka and then zoomed to local scenes of devastation and tragedy to portray the chaos of a divided nation. Scenes included the burnt Jaffna library, formerly the largest library in Asia, and the aftermath of the December 2004 tsunami followed by scenes of hope and prosperity that offer glimpses into the future of Sri Lanka.

Day 1, Opening Ceremony

After a short welcome and introduction from Prashan and another inspirational video, the ceremony continued with the traditional lighting of the oil lamp. Representatives from all parts of the country as well as the international community went to the front of the auditorium to symbolically unite Sri Lanka under one illuminated mantle. The names of the teams were then revealed to the applause of everyone present. The students quickly warmed to the idea of friendly competition since points will be awarded based on several games and participation efforts. The night promised to be entertaining as Ravi Bandu and Bickram came from India to present a musical special that delighted the crowd. Several musicians accompanied the main performance and a world renowned flutist, who had been nominated for a Grammy, played with the musicians for the enjoyment of all who listened.


Day 1, The End of a Day and the Beginning of the Future

Shortly before 10:00, the assembly was dismissed for the night. A brief “rules and regulations” announcement ended the opening ceremony and students were then free to become acquainted with their fellow teammates. For some of them, this became the first time interacting with a group of people composed of all ethnicities from across the island. In other news, Wishanth left tonight to return to Colombo to escort U.N. Ambassador Jayantha Dhanapala to the conference so that he can deliver the first session tomorrow morning. The Jaffna students will unfortunately not be arriving today but on Saturday night. No where here is the presence of animosity felt. This is truly an encouraging start to a revolutionary conference.

FLC Countdown: 1 Day, Reflections

Note: A lack of an internet connection delayed the posting of the final day of the FLC Countdown

The past two and a half weeks have surpassed anything I could have expected. I have followed the polo crew of SLU to high profile meetings and relaxed road trips. I have witnessed firsthand the chain of command and inner workings of a self-motivated organization built from vision and determination, and I have been convinced of the power of a few but dedicated individuals to shape their world. Perhaps the first evident observation is the months of preparation that have been funneled into this conference. The conference, as a result, will be comprehensive, but behind all of those details is a mound of painstaking effort. The virtue of perseverance may be simple, but it is certainly not expendable. Oftentimes, it is the multitude of small and thankless jobs that chart the difference between success and failuire. Those on the outside of any venture only see the remarkable outcome and can sometimes have difficulty appreciating the magnitude of the willpower, time, and energy that can make a conference or an event successful.

Perseverance is not an easy virtue to develop. Perhaps as children we grow accustomed to perceiving a single side of the world. With every basic need at our fingertips, the result of our parents' labor is readily welcomed while the efforts that made them possible are not as appreciated. Coming of age involves, in no small part, recognizing that life is not so easy, and that for most of us, it consists of diligence and fortitude punctuated by small victories. The same is true for an organization or nation. The outcome of Sri Lanka's litmus test relies on its young people who must be willing to put forth the service and hard work necessary to mold a model of civil living that can be the envy of the world, even if it requires a lifetime of perseverance.

FLC Countdown: 1 Day, Updates

With the final hours before the Future Leaders Conference ticking away, the last general meeting was held today at 7:00 PM. Various artwork and decorations are being finalized while numerous phone calls assure that speakers and volunteers will be ready for tomorrow and the rest of the conference in a timely fashion. Though the guidebook has been shortened from 52 to 37 weeks due to translation difficulties, it still provides a solid combination of engaging activities and intellectual stimulation to keep the students both challenged and interested. The guidebook is now completed and will be printed by the time the students leave to return home. Most of the schools have confirmed their means of transportation though some complications have arisen with the Jaffna group. At this point, they will be arriving Saturday morning instead of Friday night. Though they will miss the opening ceremony, they will hopefuuly be present for all of the conference's main events. As far as the actual program is concerned, Dominic Dixon will no longer be attending and the final session will be administered by the Sri Lanka Unites's team.

Later tonight, the sports equipment arrived, and all available cars were loaded with banners and decorations to be taken to the site. Even though many of us will stay up late to finish work for the coming 5 days, tomorrow should prove to be an early morning since vans leave at 7:00 and 8:30 in the morning. As months of preparation reach their climax, the best work of SLU is about to be revealed to the nation.

Sri Lanka Unites team pre-conference video blog

FLC Countdown: 2 Days, Reflections

Managing Sri Lanka Unites can sometimes resemble a balancing act rather than operating an ambitious organization. With little time left before the conference commences, final details constantly compete for attention. Knowing what to address and what to ignore is a vitally important skill if one is to avoid the paralyzing stress of bringing months of preparation into fruition. During the last few days, a vast range of details has been addressed, and many others have been left for future consideration. Showing judgment in placing priorities cannot be overemphasized.

Any gathering of individuals needs two qualities to be effective in shaping their world. First, vision directs individual efforts by becoming the compass that keeps the collective whole moving along a straight bearing. When energy fails, or when willpower tires, the dream of the future can restore spirits and keep the determined few moving forward. The second quality is judgment. Without judgment, vision is left by the wayside as the dreams of tomorrow cannot find their place in reality. The number of opportunities in any given scenario is limitless; yet pursuing the wrong paths can end a good cause just as easily as choosing the right paths can promote it. Take national development as an example. A nation does not develop all of its institutions simultaneously, for that is impossible to perform well. Rather, it focuses on key areas on which the fulcrum of society rests. Attention can then be diverted towards other areas that spring from the new opportunities provided by improved circumstances.

FLC Countdown: 2 Days, Updates

The international volunteers are arriving in force. The Orlando team arrived today as did the New Zealand representative. The American team helped organize a 5 kilometer run to raise awareness and money for Sri Lanka Unites several months ago, and we are happy to have them join us in Sri Lanka. Trips to the airport dominated much of the day for some of the SLU team. Since the total count of 430 students and volunteers is settled, Sri Lanka Unites has been involved with the sad task of turning away schools that simply do not have time to register. With only 2 days before the conference, business has reached an almost unimaginable level. Dhishan, the VP, received over 150 calls during the course of the day with topics ranging from transportation issues to color coordination for decorations.

Details on transport are coming together for the majority of schools. Most schools will be sending their own bus to the conference and will be reimbursed for any expenses once they arrive. However, groups of schools in close proximity to each other will be taking a bus provided by Sri Lanka Unites to cut costs. The permit for the Jaffna students was promised, and the order should arrive tomorrow.

FLC Countdown: 3 Days, Reflections

Nation building is a term that is heard frequently throughout discussions of national development, but its real definition requires some insight. True nation building is the culmination of unity through diversity. Fragmented nations cannot hope to progress properly without first unifying their country. Laws and legislation intended for economic or human development only treat the symptoms of the underlying disease. As each ethnicity or social stratum has unique contributions to offer society, the entire national population should assist the process of rebuilding a nation. If the diverse elements of Sri Lanka can agree on a way forward for their country, they will find that the bonds they share with one another will continue to be strengthened. Common goals promote community with those who work together, and people are less willing to take up arms against others who share a common aim. The process of nation building itself forces these diverse groups to unify and put their skills to use by socially, culturally, psychologically, and economically improving their native land. The common goal not only progresses the quality of life for the citizens, but it binds the inhabitants ever closer together.

Community is a basic tenet of human living. It is easy to observe that Sri Lanka Unites has bonded because their participants share a common goal. The same can be true for the nation of Sri Lanka. Once it is found on a personal level that different cultures and peoples can be allies rather than enemies, the way forward becomes clearer. Cease-fires become peace agreements, and treaties become long-standing symbols of trust.

FLC Countdown: 3 Days, Updates

With just over 300 students registered to attend the Future Leaders Conference of 2009, Sri Lanka Unites has well surpassed its original goal of 250 attendees. Transportation for 60 Jaffna students has been finalized, and they will be riding a bus down the one road that connects Jaffna to the rest of the island. The presence of these representatives is of particular importance since much of the fighting of the last 25 years occurred in that district. SLU is now organizing the students into their small groups, assuring that each group has enough bilingual and trilingual students and moderators to communicate efficiently. Though finances remain an issue, SLU has found a bank sponsor that makes the financial burden considerably lighter. Several financial options remain open so the conference should commence with a balanced budget. This will establish Sri Lanka Unites’s reputation as a reliable organization and make it easier to fundraise next year.

The work on the post-conference guidebook is nearing completion as various articles and instructions are being compiled into the final product. The guidebook consists of rules on forming Sri Lanka Unites clubs across the country at local schools as well as articles to discuss and movies to watch. Sri Lanka Unites now has a Twitter site by the same name, and it will be updated daily to take advantage of Twitter’s growing popularity

FLC Countdown: 4 Days, Reflections

An attempt at understanding is an attempt at freedom. Hatred and ignorance can be just as binding as any prison, and a stereotypical barrier can be as limiting as a physical fortification. It can trap countries and its citizens in civil wars, cycles of economic decline, and suspicions of those who would otherwise be considered neighbors. A nation’s freedom depends not so much on its laws and legislation, but on the mindsets and attitudes of the people. The external appearance of the government is an effect, not a cause, of freedom. Freedom, at the most basic level, begins with the people, particularly the youth who retain the dreams of a better society. Freedom thus provides security for the future as well as the present. It is the fabric that allows institutions and cultures to adapt to ever-changing times. As the present era begins to heal, a sturdier future is assured as the minds of the next generation are prepared to cope with the challenges of a new age. The fluid nation is willing to compromise when appropriate and stand fast when necessary.

Leadership is a key personal quality that makes freedom possible. By training Lankan youth as leaders and peacemakers, Sri Lankans will be equipped to reinterpret their position in the country. They no longer have to become pawns in the animosity that has driven the country into its current dilemma, but they can take control and reshape Sri Lanka into a land of cultural stability and prosperity. It is well known that the youth of society are the ones most likely to initiate widespread change. This has been the case in Sri Lanka’s civil war, and though it will be true of this age as well, it will be a generation of peacemakers and mediators rather than of militants and extremists that will control the destiny of Sri Lanka.

FLC Countdown: 4 Days, Updates

Sri Lanka Unites’s office headquarters is becoming increasingly hectic as the last days of preparation commence. Transportation arrangements for the speakers are falling into place, and the final list of schools that will be attending the conference has been compiled. In addition to the previously mentioned schools, Murungahitikanda Vidylaya from the Anuradhapura District in the North Central Province will be providing students as will Kalutara Vidyalaya in the Kalutara District of the Western Province. The Western Province is sending representatives from 7 more schools, and St. Xavier’s Girls College from the Mannar District and Kokuvil Hindu College, St. Patrick’s College, Athiyar Hindu College, Kopay Christian College, Sri Somaskantha College, and Urumpiran Hindu College from the Jaffna District will be coming. The Central Province has responded by sending 5 schools. Highlands College, Holy Trinity College, Nanuoya TMV, and St. Xaviars College represent the Nuweraeliya District while Trinity College is coming from the Kandy District. Work is in progress on organizing all of these students into their dormitories and teams.

The work on the video is coming together excellently. Tom has been working on the team logo animations that represent the friendly competitive side of the conference. Students will be a part of the Colombo Chargers, the Batticoloa Bandits, the Kandy Knights, the Trincomalee Titans, the Polonnaruwa Pirates, the Mannar Maestros, the Jaffna Giants, the Anuradhapura Avengers, the Vayanuyia Vikings, or the Galle Gladiators; though, of course, the teams will not be divided according to the students’ geographical background. The names are only meant to represent the rich diversity of Sri Lanka.

FLC Countdown: 5 Days, Reflections

Human history is a complicated web of tragedy and success. Since the dawn of time, hope has been a powerful force for humanity’s accomplishments. The sheer amount of injustice and destruction across the globe is enough to dishearten anyone, yet there always remain a few people who decide to fight the tide and create a better future. Hope provides this motivation. Hope is the belief that, with enough vision and commitment, the future can be better than the present. Any number of present hardships are made bearable by the notion that the there are better times ahead. In this light, hope is the antithesis of despair. Despair arises when one resigns oneself to a stagnant state of existence, often more attributable to a state of mind rather than external circumstances. The constant motion and optimism of hope is a primary reason why people continue to live with greater expectations for tomorrow.

In alignment with the essence of hope, Sri Lanka Unites continues to carry this beacon ablaze and ahead of the country. If the nation of Sri Lanka can come together as one people and put aside their differences for the good of common interest and nationality, the reconciliation movement will become a testimony to the hope of the citizens. It is proof to the whole world that despair has not won the day, and that viable alternatives are possible, even likely, when there is a will to achieve them. Hope is unique to each individual, but when combined with a powerful belief, it can link individuals together into a strong and lasting community that is greater than the sum of its parts.

FLC Countdown: 5 Days, Updates

Registration deadlines will be closing tomorrow as the quota has been met for attending students. The final goal is to have in between 250-300 students be present at the conference (downsized from 300 due to financial concerns). At this point, 250 students have registered and several more completed forms are expected tomorrow to bring the total number of attendees to the well within the desired amount. With this aspect of the conference taken care of, transportation is yet to be completely resolved. The situation with the Jaffna students remains optimistic, and the issue should be determined in the coming days. The remainder of the international teams should be arriving in the next three days and all of us look forward to having their presence at the conference.

FLC Countdown: 6 Days, Reflections

For the past several days, some of the SLU team has enjoyed Sri Lanka’s premiere beach festival, Hikkaduwa Beach Fest. This outdoor extravaganza brings artists and entertainers from outside the country and is marketed as a major tourist attraction where even people from the Maldives come for the 4 day long festivities. Sri Lankan culture is burgeoning locale for cultural and economic development, and the situation is likely to get better now that violence is on the decline. With this new opportunity, Sri Lanka is taking advantage of an increased interconnectedness with the global community.

Sri Lanka Unites can be interpreted within this trend also. The move towards national reconciliation and Sri Lankan identity is large foray for the tropical island, yet one step among many others in the global network. Such movements have been happening across the world in the modern era, whether its reconciliation in Northern Ireland or equality in South Africa. There are certainly many ills that have developed also, but it is the successful precedents that keep the hope for the future alive. As the push for peace and understanding takes flight in Sri Lanka, it joins a host of predecessors and becomes the next link in the chain to continue the global story of positive change. The real question has become, can Sri Lanka emulate these patterns to become its own success story? The changing climate across the nation would seem to say yes.

FLC Countdown: 6 Days, Updates

The Volunteer Orientation began at 10:30, Saturday morning at the American Center in Colombo. The SLU team members that left for Hikkaduwa beach fest were committed enough to wake up and leave as early as 4 or 5 in the morning to make the morning sessions. The talk was given by an American woman who spends her career encouraging young women to engage politics. Many of the principles she shared apply to both her specialty in youth empowerment and the volunteers’ participation in reconciliation. Being a good leader requires confidence, courage, and purpose. The volunteers must display these characteristics to break down through the unfamiliarity on behalf of the students. After the morning session, lunch was provided to everyone’s delight. The early afternoon was spent in small groups brainstorming challenges and solutions that could arise in the conference. The most common perceived challenges were the language barrier, shyness, and animosity between students of different ethnic backgrounds. As moderators, it was agreed that the volunteers should be proactive in engaging the students and should facilitate understanding between the both sides of any arguments that could crop up. Finally, the last section of the meeting was devoted to reviewing the conference’s 5 day program. During the conference, volunteers will have plenty of time to bond with their group and discuss the day’s topics after the intellectual sessions of the morning are completed.

FLC Countdown: 7 Days, Reflections

Advocating positive change often chafes against the status quo. To effectively institute a new culture of acceptance and understanding in society, a person must walk the fine line between staying true to a core set of beliefs and retaining an evolving sense of perspective. Certain principles should be a guiding force for any organization. Law codes and constitutions the world over lay forth idealistic guidelines for human living. Sri Lanka Unites has such a vision, and it is active in promoting its implementation. However, idealistic standards can quickly become murky once transposed onto reality, especially if there are psychological obstacles to overcome in the minds of those you are trying to reach. Situations are not cut in stone, and it is important to realize that square pegs do not fit round holes. Thus an effective balance between idealism and pragmatism is needed to accommodate uncertain situations. The principles are present, but the outworking of those principles differs depending on the situation.

Sri Lanka Unites has used their perspective to address the modern generation for a brighter future. Originally, the Future Leader’s Conference was going to be a completely Sri Lankan operation; however a shift in perspective caused a change of plans. In an increasingly global society, it was deemed important that the conference be approached on a global level with multinational interaction. Thus, several of the people working towards the conference are foreigners, including myself and the videographer, Tom Kearney. The video of the conference will also provide greater coverage for those who are interested. In addition, the international volunteers are meant to provide a more global face for the conference. Sri Lanka Unites is continuing to remain flexible and adapt in other situations so that they can be as effective as possible in reaching the nation.