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.

Future Leaders' Conference - Season 5 : DAY 01

Preparations were underway long before the day of the most anticipated event of Sri Lanka Unites- The Future Leaders’ Conference. SLU reaches a five year milestone at this season of FLC. To say that our youth movement has come a long way is no denying. But the most encouraging element of it all is that that all the hard work, the effort and labour was entirely voluntary thus making this milestone all the more significant and meaningful.

A team from SLU and a Southern coalition made of SLU students in the Southern province and students in schools in the Southern province worked hard to create a successful event for the students. As we witnessed today the team had indeed put in a lot of effort and thought and had done it wholeheartedly. Although there was much still left to do only hours before the Opening Ceremony everyone regardless of age or position rallied round to make the event as perfect as possible.What was heartening was that no one grudged the responsibilities given to them but in fact asked for more.

The students trickled in slowly at first and registered themselves. Soon they were coming in large groups with excitement, nervousness and curiosity written all over their faces. For some this is their first experience of an SLU event. It still amazes me how pre-conceived barriers like language, ethnicity and religion all fall apart so easily when one has the chance to interact and get to know someone completely different from one self. Although this may not be the case with everyone I’ve found this to be true in numerous cases.

Finally almost 600 students and around 60 volunteers had arrived representing every district in Sri Lanka. It was time for the opening ceremony that would officially kick-start the Future Leaders’ Conference. Last year Jaffna took the opportunity to display the culture of the North and this year Galle did the same to display Southern culture and show Southern hospitality. The principal of SangamittaBalikaVidyalayaaddressed the audience and encouraged them to make use of the opportunities that is now theirs since the culmination of the civil war.  She applauded the efforts of Sri Lanka Unites and encouraged us continue with our efforts. Later a student from SangamittaBalikaVidyalaya made an impressive speech in Tamil to warmly welcome the Tamil students from across the country. Following this the Champions of Change award for 2013 was awarded to Methodist College and Hindu Ladies College for their project on standing up against harassment of women. 8 other schools were also acknowledged for the best COC projects carried out in the past 5 years. After briefing the students about the procedures of the Conference the ceremony ended with a loud and vibrant cheer for each team as their volunteers took the stage representing their teams.

Work is still underway for tomorrow. The tireless effort of the team has definitely paid. There are four more days to look forward to and work hard for but with an enthusiastic and hardworking group of people it seems an easy  and exciting hurdle to pass.