Let's Take Sri Lanka Unites Global!

My tuk-tuk sped down Galle road by the ocean abyss. “Towards Colombo’s Light House” I directed the tuk-tuk.

There I would meet the Future Leader Conference Season 5 Mentors. They were dressed in their very best, young professionals from Colombo of all creeds, class and gender.

Tables for the reception were set out by the foot of the Lighthouse. From where I sat I could admire the light house, the ocean just steps away and the mentors chattering away. They were happily reunited for the night.

It was the perfect setting, right by the crashing Ocean shore, the very Ocean that we must have all crossed to find this tear drop Island. And here we were, years later, the children of these ancient adventurous migrants, striving to create a sense of unity and maintain inclusive communal ties.

Ramzi Deen - Future National Director - Talking Public Relations for Sri Lanka Unites

And with the sounds of crashing waves and the light house towering above us, we broke off into groups and began to envision how we as the leaders of tomorrow were going to continue to make Future Leaders Conferences relevant for young people across the Island. How we were going to spread our conference’s vision to other troubled nations across the world to create Global unity.

These were big questions. But there is no better time than now to continue to break down the illusion of division that masks universal humanity here on this Island and beyond. And, it always great to bring our Volunteers together to think about these questions over an awesome and appreciative reception by the Light house! 

Sri Lanka Unites’ Future Leaders Conference Season Five - A Teacher’s Perspective

By Stafford D. Oliver

The drive from Kandy to Galle took most of the day. The bus left early in the morning, which may partly explain why the students and fellow teachers I was with from Trinity College were relatively quiet the whole time. Or maybe there was a nervous anticipation of what the next five days would bring, with everyone wondering what would happen.

Those feelings came to an abrupt end as soon as we entered the gates of Sangamitta Balika Vidyalaya. The excited shouts of volunteers could be heard and their colourful signs were quickly spotted. “Colombo Chargers! Colombo Chargers!” “Vavuniya Vikings! Vavuniya Vikings!” “Polonaruwa Pirates! Polonaruwa Pirates!” “Ampara Avengers! Ampara Avengers!” “Jaffna Giants! Jaffna Giants!”“Kandy Knights!” “Gampaha Gators! Gampaha Gators!” The scene became louder as each group shouted its name, beckoning the students as they registered to form into the groups with which they would spend the next five inspiring days.

The first day of FLC 5 happened a month ago, but the scenes are still vivid in my mind. It seems like yesterday because its impact was so great – nearly 700 students and 70 teachers from all of the districts and provinces of Sri Lanka, working together as leaders and friends. From the very first day the students blossomed, going from apprehensively staring at the ground to joyfully shouting their team name wherever they went. What was so special for me was seeing and hearing students genuinely represent districts where they were not from and maybe had never even visited.

The students’ eager energy served as good examples of what would happen for the older group of participants. For connecting with new people and sharing experiences to reach new understandings were not only the tasks of the young people, but were also undertakings of the teachers. At the first teacher’s meeting, it was announced that I was not only a teacher at Trinity College Kandy but that I was also an American in Sri Lanka on a project with the United Nations Association of Scotland. There was an assumption that everything would be completely new for me, which was true in only some ways. No, it was not the first time that I would eat with my hands. Yes, it was the first time that I had stayed at a girls’ Buddhist school. But no, this was not my first time in Galle. With such a diverse group, it would have been appropriate to pose these questions at the start to all of the teachers and students who came from all of the island’s communities. All of us had life changing experiences.

Each subsequent day introduced a full schedule and important themes for the young leaders to consider. Thankfully, some of the same speakers also addressed the teachers with enriching group discussions. We discussed the importance of physical well-being as well as mental and emotional health with a doctor and a social worker. The conversations centred around how teachers and educators have tremendous roles in shaping, guiding and influencing the youth, and thus also the future of the country. Justice Shiranee Tilakawardane, in a challenging and inspirational discussion, explored the importance of attitude and awareness of the issues facing young people. We considered the themes of the S.H.O.W. You Care campaign which seeks to end harassment of women, in addition to promoting the kind of environment which will lead to everyone fulfilling their potential.

There was also a thorough, open and frank conversation with Mr. Kushil Gunesekera, the founder of the Foundation of Goodness. He told us his stories about how he left a lucrative career to benefit rural families, challenging the idea that development and peace are about wealth and prosperity. We discussed how important it is to just give others a chance to nurture their talents and abilities, regardless of their income, place of residence, ethnicity, political ideology or religion.

Though there were many serious matters to consider, there was also a nice balance of fun and personal expression. Visits to Galle Fort and Matara offered comfortable getaways to see the diversity of Sri Lanka. The speeches and dramas composed by the 25 groups of students provided a thoughtful platform to explore issues as well as a warm up for the singing and dancing that occurred during the evening musical performances. It’s wonderful to train leaders and cultivate peace, but it’s still rewarding to see kids be kids, jumping up and down and singing arm-in-arm at the top of their lungs, without the worries of religious, ethnic, class, or caste tension.

There may or may not be actual magicians in Matara, rhinos in Ratnapura, mustangs in Mullativu or titans in Trincomalee. But, undoubtedly, there is immense talent and promise amongst the young peoples of Sri Lanka to ensure a better future. The incredible work of Sri Lanka Unites drives me, and probably all of the participants of FLC 5, forward with boundless inspiration and hope. 

A Volunteer's Perspective

By ~ Devanshi Fernando

My experience at the Future Leaders’ Conference, Season 5 was no doubt one of the best volunteer opportunities I have hither to engage in. From the first volunteer training it was clear to me that the Future Leaders’ conference was an event I wanted to be a part of, in years to come.

The two volunteer training programmes that were held prior to the conference, provided us with proper guidance as to what we as volunteers and mentors were expected of during the five day programme. It provided us a sneak peek into what the FLC was all about. Some of the first few activities such as the human knot, freedom writers, and collect the gold made us volunteers realise the importance of reconciliation.

Although I was unable to make it to the first day of the conference, I was looking forward to meeting my fellow team members and to work with them in the next few days to come. It was obvious to me and my volunteer colleagues that the students were not communicating with each other the first day.  The Sinhala students were seen more comfortable with their common group- the Sinhala speaking students- and a similar reaction was seen among the Tamil students. However with the first ice breaker, there was a sudden change. They began to communicate with each other with the little Sinhala or the little Tamil each student spoke. I too managed to learn a few Tamil words.

The students became even more united during their sports event. The announcement that our team ‘Badulla Braves’ was in the top 5, created much enthusiasm among them all. Students began to hug each other and cheer like never before. It was most definitely one of the wonderful moments of the conference.

The panel discussions were most insightful. Watching the students ask questions from the panel of speakers for the day, made me realize that there is a chance for a better future. 

I wanted to stay longer. Knowing that I was with a group of energetic young girls and boys who truly believe in the importance of a better Sri Lanka made me proud. The last good-byes were dreadful. It was when Mullaichelvi, a student from Mullaithivu hugged me and cried that I felt that the students wanted to make a difference. The fact that our team won second place meant nothing when we all bid our good-byes.

I would volunteer again and again, because it was so much satisfying, so much an experience to cherish, made so many friends from all strata of society, and above all taught me what humility is all about.  Being a mentor to a group of 22 students I learnt so much, and the experience that came with it was exhilarating.

British Parliamentarians visit SLU Reconciliation Center - Mullaitivu

By Shuthi Waduacharige

It’s been 7 months since the inception of the Reconciliation Center in Mulliyavalai, Mullaitivu. We have witnessed the steady progression of the center in all its aspects such as education, center management, employability and sustainability. Although we still have a long way to go, we are determined to press forward to give our best to this deserving community.

On our journey, we have encountered many who have encouraged us and helped us to go further. July 23rd was one such day. Six British parliamentarians honoured us with their presence. After SLU President Prashan de Visser gave an introduction to Sri Lanka Unites, a student from the Center, Nijanthini, prepared and delivered a speech in English on how thankful she was to have received this opportunity to study at the Center. The delegation was enthusiastic in their applause and highly commended her efforts. Nijanthini is currently awaiting university admission. Amidst countless obstacles, it is students like her that remind us why this community deserves all that we can offer.

The delegation was then shown a presentation on the Center and the many aspects that are a part of it. They mentioned many times how impressed they were and commended our efforts. They also understood that using the youth of this country was the way forward.
After a brief tour of the Center, Lord Sheikh and MP Eleanor Laing officially opened the Communication Center - one of our steps towards self-sustainability. Students and community members will be able to get printouts, photocopies, laminate and have internet access at an affordable price. Baroness Hayter of Kentish Town opened the Canteen, another step towards towards making the Center self-sustainable. Students at the Center and those who come to the center for seminars, workshops, etc. will be able to purchase food at a reasonable price. We also hope to do small-scale catering within the community.

We were very much encouraged by the British delegation of parliamentarians who took the time to come to our Center. Although we desire no such acknowledgement, their presence was nevertheless uplifting.

Future Leaders Conference Season 5 ~ A Junior Team Member's Perspective

By-Benislos Thushan

The flagship event in the SLU calender attained an end and reached the land mark of over 2500 student leaders from throughout Sri Lanka who have been impacted for the last 5 years in a row since 2009.

Glittering smiles
Blossoming hopes
Authentic tears
Undisputed team spirit
Unforgettable days and nights of togetherness

- Witnessed at the participants evokes ineffable happiness and satisfaction that will last for the lifetime which has never failed to yield the fruits for the hard work for months.

The potential displayed by the younger generation for the societal change through the eradication of inherent hatred and prejudice has kick started the lifelong journey of impacting grassroots for an authentic reconciliation through unconditional love and sincere patriotism so that none are prejudiced through their identity or stereotyped for the mistakes of their older generation, but respected by the potential of their character and integrated as children of mother Sri Lanka.

Southern Hospitality has blown the minds of all who experienced it. commitment, hard work and humility displayed by the young schooling children and youngsters from Southern coalition and the operations team to host the student leaders from all throughout Sri Lanka has been inspirational. gratitude is overwhelming when retaining the hard work of these kids and their commitment serves as a real evident to understand their passion towards the greater cause. The guidance and team spirit displayed by the volunteers kept the momentum of the conference and you guys have really impacted the kids with your kindness and leadership!

It has been a gifted experience to work with Team SLU that comprises such talented and inspirational leaders from all over the island. Having learnt a lot from these gifted and inspirational leaders and their potential urges for personal replication of their positive qualities. It's a dream of TEAM SLU to witness Sri Lanka that will be internationally recognized as an ideal nation for authentic reconciliation and perseverance displayed by the team sustains the hope for a meritocratic Sri Lanka which is based on equality, respect and love for diversity with null hatred and prejudice.

Having been a part of the program committee has been a lot of learning experience in addition. You guys have definitely worked hard and carved every minutes of the program so that a single minute is not wasted, yet impacts the future leaders through vast experiences of team work.

Thank you so much everyone for making this conference a greater success and for being a part of this worthy endeavor!

memories never die and live forever!

ONE SMILE, ONE PEOPLE, ONE SRI LANKA!

Final Day of Sri Lanka Unites' Flagship Event

After 4 days of living with each other not many wanted to return home. The last day of the conference was not eagerly anticipated. Although everyone was looking forward to yet another day of FLC this would also be the final day they would get to spend precious time with their team. Spirits were high but emotions were mixed. A group of girls who had to leave on the 3rd day and return in the evening (as they were receiving prizes at their school prize giving) refused to do so as they couldn't stand the idea of leaving the conference even for a few hours. This is the level of enthusiasm with which each one of them embraced each new day at FLC.

Due to the spike in hate speech in the recent past we realized the need for informed information to circulate among people about the different religions. What better platform than FLC to do this? We had about 600 young student leaders all dressed in white eager to learn and make a difference. The first session comprised of a panel of four religious leaders representing each of the main religions in Sri Lanka. Each spoke of the the beliefs that their religion stood by. This was very significant as many of the pre-conceived notions and uninformed judgments of another's religion was broken down. The students were then able to ask questions and clarify doubts about another religion. The religious leaders were impressed as the students posed intelligent and timely questions. The leaders did justice to each question by answering without holding back. At the end of a powerful and excellent session many of the students and volunteers commented on how much they had needed an opportunity to participate in something of this calibre.

The teams returned to the hall now wearing their SLU FLC 5 T-shirts for the closing ceremony. Ambassador Jayantha Dhanapala spoke to the audience and thanked Sangamitta Balika and the principal for their immense assistance for FLC 5. This is the first time FLC has been held in a Buddhist, all girls, government school. That in itself has been a great achievement only made possible by the enthusiasm and encouragement of the Principal of Sangamitta Balika. He spoke further on SLU and its journey to where it is today. He encouraged the students and applauded their efforts and enthusiasm to be agents of change and appreciate the immense potential that each of them possessed. Following this we had the finals of the oratory competition where the participant blew our minds away by the content of their speeches and their ability to deliver them so well. The moment that always moves the heart of the people is when the students take the stage and apologize to each other for the hurts and injustices of the past inflicted by one community to another. Although many have criticized that this is only a feel-good element there is no denying that the students need this. forgiveness needs to be asked, hurts must be acknowledged. It is a vital part of the healing process. To this day even participant of FLC 1 recount how much they appreciated that act of forgiveness and of acceptance. Many say that that was the moment it all changed and that was the moment they cherish to this day. No doubt the students felt this way this time too.

Future Leaders Conference Season 5 - Day 2 to 4

Each morning of the conference started off bright and early. While not the most enjoyable part of the day, waking up so early was quite an advantage, especially in light of the lengthy morning shower line-ups that seemed to be a certainty. Many students had travelled more than 12 hours to attend the conference, and may have been too exhausted from their trip to engage and interact with their peers on Day 1.

Many of the students seemed quite timid at first,very likely due to the prevalent language barriers. But this was soon overcome with the many games and activities that were played. The ‘Human Knot’ for example, required the students to hold hands in a circle. One student then broke the circle and walked under and over the others’ arms to result in a human knot. The student then linked up again with the last student. The task was to show patience and communicate clearly and patiently to untangle the knot.

This year’s conference had a slew of interesting speakers. The morning panel discussion on Day 2, for example,introducedthe idea of reconciliation and explored the underlying responsibility of all Sri Lankans in this regard. Dr. Selvy Thiruchandran, Dr. Jehan Pereraand Mr. Javed Yusuf, spoke in Tamil, Sinhala and English, respectively, to encourage students not to simply contribute ideas, but also to contribute meaningful action toward the cause of reconciliation. On Day 3, Justice Shiranee Tilakawardena and Mr. Kushil Gunesekara - Founder of the Foundation of Goodness – spoke about the ideal qualities a leader should possess in order to ensure effective and lasting reconciliation. And on Day 4, Ms. Namini Wijedasa, Mr. Fadhil Bakeer Markar and Mr. Nalliah Kumaraguruparan Ashokbharan spoke about the need for youth to creatively identify foster creative create expression of ideas to address present day challenges.The sessions were all very well received, particularly because of the passion that each speaker brought to the stage.

After-session activities encouraged students to utilize creative expression to foster active learning and collaboration among students with diverse backgrounds. One such activityrequired each student to identify two events – one historical and one personal – in relation to the conflict. Each team then put together a physical timeline of these events. The purpose of this exercise was twofold: to educate students about the conflict and to also demonstrate that all Sri Lankans are connected in some way to the events of the conflict. In this way, students were able to bear witness to the commonalities shared amongst them.

On another day, students were asked to identify possibly solutions to a given problem in Sri Lanka. Areas of concern included unemployment, education, poverty, domestic violence, and cost of living. There were a variety of solutions, both to perceived and real problems within these areas. I was really impressed with the creativity the students demonstrated in presenting their solutions; many used poster board, but some also used film. The students spoke eloquently and passionately about their desire to create positive change, and it was truly inspiring to witness the essence of the term ‘Future Leader’ captured in this way.

Some time was set aside each day for the students to participate in physical activities. Sports such as cricket and volleyball were played, along with other non-conventional games. During sports time, half of the teams participated in an oratory competition. Students were asked to speak for 3 minutes on the topic ‘A Diverse and Inclusive Sri Lanka’ – teams selected three students to each speak in English, Tamil and Sinhala.The resulting speeches were spectacular to watch. Each student demonstrated an impressive effort, articulating clear and well thought out ideas to their peers and judges.

During the evenings, teams prepared and performed a creative item – a song, dance, or skit – that was in line with the message of SLU and the conference. A variety of musical artists also performed, ranging from energetic performances by Dushyanth, Randhir and Fantasy, to acapella performances by Choro Calibre and Voiceprint.

It is evident that the conference has served to educate and inform, but has also been an excellent opportunity to showcase some of Sri Lanka’s most talented musicians to the youth.