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.

From the Conference Book: Message from the President - Sri Lanka Unites

In 2006, as we began this journey towards youth-led grassroots reconciliation many wondered if it was pre-mature or naïve. Most agreed it was ambitious and everyone questioned if it was possible. However, our conviction that the war generation of Sri Lanka needed an opportunity to have a fresh start and space to learn from the mistakes of the past and build a greater future has never dwindled. Each one of us involved with Sri Lanka Unites was born into a Sri Lanka that was ranging with the fires of hatred and the turmoil of war. We as a generation inherited prejudices, hatred and negative stereotypes towards those outside our ethnic group. Our nationalistic duty was to join the ranks of our ethnic and religious groups and insist our people were right and had been wronged and all our actions (however much they challenged our conscience) were justified. Questions were not asked, motives were not questioned, and political manipulations were never detected. Our desire to preserve, promote and enhance our ethnicity at most took dominant prominence over our value for humanity, at the very least that of our fellow Sri Lankans.

Sri Lanka Unites from its inception dared to challenge the narrow parameters of our worldview and our approach to the ethnic conflict. We are pushing the boundaries to seek authentic solutions. Whatever approaches used in the past ranging from war, political bickering, to even peace talks and negotiations have failed time and time again. A solution to the ethnic conflict seemed to be more unrealistic than a snowstorm in a tropical island. The worldview had to change. Fundamental lies, negative generalizations, denial of crimes against each other, justification of blatant violence and silence of the moderate masses needed to be tackled if we were to see lasting change. Where do you begin? Who do you focus on?  The answer was right under our nose. Change was to begin with us. We had to purge ourselves of our own hatred. Weather we admitted it or not we have all been marred by violence and prejudices. None of us were blameless; guilty of prejudice was the verdict. Experiencing change even in our own lives has been longer than we would have liked. Hence we are by no means unaware of the long journey ahead for reconciliation of our generation. Reconciliation is a process, not an event, an emotional experience or an understanding that happens in the vacuum. Reconciliation is neither a tool for retribution nor an excuse for political inaction.
As we often quote the word for reconciliation in Greek, “tickum Olam” means to heal, repair and transform. The healing process is not for the fainthearted, repairing the broken bridges of trust and respect is not a walk in the park and the journey toward transforming the misfortunes and the hurts of the past is most certainly not for the near sighted.

Therefore the journey has just begun. Today we have youth from every district, representing every ethnicity, religion, caste and economic background passionately committed to being the change and bridging the gap of apathy and transforming hate into reconciliation. Swimming against the stream that says end of war = end of conflict = reconciliation on one side, and another stream that says grassroots efforts for reconciliation is not a proper response for grievances. Members of our youth movement that number well over 10,000 representing over 70 chapters (including 6 outside Sri Lanka) continue to make an impact. With a firm conviction that reconciliation is not solely a government mandate but is also equally a civilian endeavor, with over 70 percent of Sri Lankan youth deprived of the richness of a friendship outside their ethnic group, we have seen over a thousand leaders go through the Future Leaders’ Conferences of the past and draw their communities closer to one another breaking generations of prejudice, misconception and fundamental lies about each other. We have seen a spike in interest to pursue tri-lingual skills from the students, our all island speaking tours and workshops have reached over 30,000 students from every district, relief and rebuilding work has seen wheel chairs provided to IDP camps and hospitals in the north, essential school packs to over 2000 students from across the nation, libraries have been built, IT training has been expanded and communities that once hated each other are now aligned for a greater and more inclusive Sri Lanka. Student projects inspired by the Future Leaders’ Conference have impacted communities across Sri Lanka. From drinking wells to medical camps, dengue eradication to reconciliation seminars it has been our joy to see student leaders leading change and working across ethnic lines.  A massive worldview shift from the parameters of their self-centered or ethno-centered lives at best to a commitment to country and all our people has been inspiring transformation and providing a glimmer of better things to come.

Today we welcome you to Jaffna for the fourth season of the Future Leaders’ Conference. After organizing the conference for three years and being transformed by the experience - students and Sri Lanka Unites chapters of the north have urged us, then impressed us, and today finally host us in all the splendor of the north. We are here in Jaffna for two reasons - celebrate the richness of our Sri Lankan heritage in the form of our very own Sri Lankan Tamil culture and to make a strong positive impact on the rebuilding and reconciliation process in the north. Northern Sri Lanka has been deprived of much due to three decades of violence. We are here to celebrate her identity and interlink it as ours and work towards rebuilding her former glory as a diverse but united generation. May the world know after decades of turmoil a new generation dares to unite and make our beloved nation thrive!

Prashan De Visser
President
Sri Lanka Unites

Press Conference - FLC 4

Journalists from 12 leading newspapers and 3 TV stations arrived at the Royal Skills Centre, today at 2.00 p.m. to participate in a Press Conference regarding the Future Leaders' Conference. With a distinguished panel comprising of Amb. Jayantha Dhanapala, Mrs. Jezema Ismail and Dr. Selvy Thiruchandran, together with a representative from our main Corporate sponsor Brandix, some student representatives and diaspora representatives, and our very own President Prashan De Visser and National Director Christin Rajah, the press were introduced to Future Leaders' Conference, why we do it, how we do it and what we would be doing differently this year.

Many of the sentiments shared by the distinguished panelists were challenging and inspiring. Mr. Ashroff Omar, the CEO of our Corporate Sponsor Brandix, who would also be speaking at the conference shared the following message through a representative:

"As a business group that already employs more than 40,000 associates, Brandix is inseparably linked with the future potential of Sri Lanka, and the leaders of generations to come. Initiatives like the SLU Future Leaders Conference that empower and prepare our youth to face the challenges of the future are therefore greatly appreciated, and we are happy to support them.

 

We are particularly pleased to see the efforts that these young professionals are making to bring about reconciliation in the country. As the Main Sponsor of this event, we believe this conference will help promote greater understanding and harmony, especially since the youth too have a huge role to play in reconciliation. The country’s future depends on the progress and economic development founded on the stability that communal harmony can bring. We wish Prashan and his team all the very best for the fourth edition of the Future Leaders Conference."

Overall, the press conference was very well organized and the journalists present there would have received an elaborate idea of Future Leaders' Conference, and what we hope to achieve through it.

A word of appreciation has to go out to everyone who worked tirelessly to make the Press Conference a success. This is but our first step in the many more to come, leading up to a Conference that will definitely leave its mark in Jaffna!

The Best IS Yet To Come!

Future Leader's Conference: Season 4 - Daily News

Wednesday, 21 March 2012 Young leaders passionate about reconciliation Future Leaders Conference - Season 4:   Young leaders passionate about the cause of reconciliation, ready to learn from the mistakes of the past and build a brighter future, are an immediate need in post-war Sri Lanka. The Future Leaders Conference is a platform that bridges the gap between this need and the real leaders of the future. Bringing together student leaders from around the island, Future Leaders Conference has, in the past three years has made a significant impact in the lives of the participants as well as in their schools and districts. This year for the fourth consecutive year Future Leaders Conference will continue in its journey towards achieving a truly reconciled Sri Lanka through impacting and changing the grassroots. At last year’s Future Leaders Conference Sri Lanka Unites, the youth movement that is responsible for the Future Leaders Conference, is founded on the simple truth that the end of the war was not the end of the conflict. Until the root problems that led to the conflict are resolved and until the various ethnicities of Sri Lanka co-exist, not just as cohabiters of the same nation but also as one society interacting with one another, one cannot say the conflict is truly over. The Future Leaders Conference serves as the first step towards true reconciliation. Student leaders of different ethnicities interact with those of other ethnicities for the first time. During the interactions stereotypical views are shattered as they relate with each other and realize the commonalities they share. Friendships are fostered that reach beyond ethnic and religious barriers, which have proven to be long-lasting, impacting not just their lives but also their families and societies. Post-war Sri Lanka is plagued with a reconciliation impasse, with one side refusing to accept the need for reconciliation and another refusing to accept a reconciliation that cannot resolve the core justice issues. Sri Lanka Unites through FLC creates a forum for the young minds to come together and through interaction learn the need for reconciliation, understand the issues that stand in the way of reconciliation and more importantly proactively work on resolving these issues, paving the way for a united Sri Lanka devoid of ethnic boundaries. There has been a multitude of success stories from the past three conferences, where students who initially refused to even share a room with someone of another ethnicity at the end were in tears as they reluctantly took leave of their new found friends of another ethnicity. The agenda of the Future Leaders Conference involved a session where the students; both Sinhalese and Tamil, unconditionally asked their brothers from the other ethnicity to forgive them for the acts of injustice committed against them in the past. While asking for forgiveness may seem like a purely symbolic act, we have seen through the past three years the long-lasting impact it has on the young minds, inspiring them to contribute towards achieving reconciliation. Beyond this emotional response to reconciliation, the conference provides a framework for students to formulate new opinions regarding other ethnicities that were previously clouded by hatred and stereotypes. To continue the momentum that begins at the conference, Sri Lanka Unites provides the participants with post-conference guidance on how they can impact their society, through Post-Conference Guide Books and Champions of Change (CoC) projects. This year, while keeping the core concept of the conference intact, the programme for the conference is to be revamped to include more relevant issues. During the past three years, the required approach to reconciliation has changed dramatically as the participants of the conference hasmoved from the initial post-war period to a time where broader issues with respect to uniting Sri Lanka need to be addressed. The conference this year will include panel discussions with an open forum for students to express their views and opinions on the new concerns that have risen post-war. FLC-4 promises to move towards the next stage of an authentic reconciliation - addressing the issues that stand in the way towards a united Sri Lanka. Even in the sports and entertainment segments of the conference, this year promises to be different. Julian Bolling, the only Sri Lankan swimmer to participate in three consecutive Olympic Games will be contributing his prowess in experiential learning games, where concepts and ideas are conveyed through sports. In addition, this year would include various opportunities for the participants and participating schools to compete for many awards such as The Champions of Change award, Best Trilingual Delegation award and awards for oratory, art and creative writing. However, the most unique aspect of this year's conference is, in fact, its venue. This year the conference will be held at Jaffna College, in Vaddukoddai in the Jaffna peninsula. This is indeed an historic event, as students from all 25 districts of the country gather at Jaffna and experience the culture and hospitality of their compatriots of the North. Organizing an event of this nature at Jaffna is a mammoth task, and this task has been cheerfully taken on by the Sri Lanka Unites team, who have started on preparations to make this year's conference one that would leave a lasting impression on the minds of the participants, and instill in them the passion to achieve a truly reconciled Sri Lankan society.