By Swayer Green
The first day of the one of the most anticipated events of
this year started off on a high note in one of the most prestigious cities of
South Asia, Jaffna, a place that possess a rich historical and cultural value.
The day looked promising although the rain the day before
kept us on our toes. With smiles filling in from all parts of the island, the
excitement made the team, students, volunteers and teachers anticipate a four
day roller-coaster ride full of hope, reconciliation, smiles and new friends.
The registration process began in the morning as
approximately 400 students from all 25 districts strolled their way into the
school premises. Long queues formed
under huge astonishing trees as the students were divided into 20 different
teams that represent 20 main districts in Sri Lanka; four volunteers were also
assigned to each team. Each team had a good balance of gender and racial diversity.
The opening ceremony of the FLC Season 4 commenced with traditional
precision as the artists welcomed the guests down the lane from the main
entrance. The guests and speakers were greeted in the Jaffna Tamil manner as
they entered the auditorium, in which the students, volunteers and SLU members
were waiting. The opening speech was made by the principal of the host school,
Jaffna College. The principal welcomed Sri Lanka Unites and the student leaders
to the College that has a very rich history and amazing architectural infrastructure.
After this he addressed various issues regarding the dire need for reconciliation
within the ethnicities. He also pointed out the importance of this year’s season
of FLC and how Jaffna could help influence the young leaders of the country as
to understand and rebuild the country that was torn apart by the 3 decade long
civil war.
The students, guests and other spectators were entertained
by a traditional dance performed by the students of Chundikuli Girls College which
was followed by a song sung by the students of Mullaitivu Maha Vidyalayam. Introduction
speeches were given by Prashan De Visser the Sri Lanka Unites President and
Christin Rajah the National Director who kept the students on the edge of their
seats. Instructions to the students were
also given before the opening ceremony came to a conclusion with the
introduction of 20 teams as the students cheered for their respective teams.
Jaffna College was at its utmost beauty as the lights decorated
the campus. It was truly encouraging to see the volunteers lead the teams and
assembling themselves and partaking in ice breaker- sessions even without being
instructed or prompted. Lastly, the
teams were sent to the respective dorms after a being served a dinner that was
prepared by the Jaffna College crew. Day
1 ended as the winds of change broke out bringing down drizzles that wet the
out fields of Vaddukoddai, the beauty of our own Jaffna.
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