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.

Road Trip 2012- Day One- Being inspired

It is chaos in the Sri Lanka Unites Office on the morning of 1^st October as 25 of us, the ‘Dream Team 2012’ try to complete the tasks assigned to them in preparation for the upcoming All Island road trip.

Videos are being edited, newsletters being printed, and the final arrangements are being made. It is absolute chaos, and yet, the feeling of excitement and anticipation is almost palpable. We are about to set out on an inspiring journey, an initiative which in itself is history in the making. 

25 young individuals representing all areas of the island coming together as the next generation of Sri Lanka’s Young leaders in an attempt to empower and inspire young students in schools all across the island is truly an amazing feat.

Before we start our journey, it is essential that we ourselves be inspired and our first day is therefore dedicated to meeting with a few eminent Sri Lankans , in order to recognize what we can learn from them.

The first person we meet is Mr Eran Wickramaratne, MP, former member of the board of trustees Sri Lanka Unites. We learn that he is celebrating his birthday. He welcomes us warmly. In a very personal and insightful session he shares the challenges he faced as a school student and how he applied the lessons he learnt to his own life. “Some decisions cannot be measured in rupees and cents” he tells us. 

Ambassador Jayantha Dhanapala who we meet next encourages us with a few enthusiastic words, leaving us inspired for the journey ahead. 

Finally we meet with Prof, Rajiva Wijesingha, advisor to His Excellency the president on reconciliation. He encourages us to review his draft policy document for reconciliation. We head back to prepare for the official 20 day journey, a journey that will potentially change our lives.

Day 1 of the Road Trip - Vishni's Perspective

by Vishni Vincent

 

Every one were excited as it was the first day of the journey. The team assembled at Wesley College hall, as it was the first assembly. It indeed was a good start for a history making journey. The assembly commenced at 7:30 am, followed by breakfast at the School premises. Every one got into the bus for the first time and our first visit was to galle face green. We had a time of fun and fellowship there, we spent some time talking and sharing the importance of galle face to our brothers from districts out of Colombo. We took pictures. From there we all went to the new Sri Lanka Unites office, ( No. 113, Kynsey Road , Borella - Colombo 8. ) and started working together (painting, dusting and all the work to make our own office look whole), which was more than just fun. After all the tiring work we went back to Wesley College to have lunch, from there we went to Image Center, along the marine drive, Bambalapitiya. We had a session with Ambassador Jayantha Dhanapala. Lessons on the importance of my contribution for a united Nation, violence is NEVER a solution in any situation and many more such valuable ideas were discussed. Then the girls left, where the boys other than the people in Colombo were taken back to Wesley College after dinner, as all of them were hosted by Wesley College for five days.