A professional’s response

“The training of the youth in Community Leadership is a commendable scheme for; the youth will turn out to be the leaders of the country in the not too distant future. If a country possesses a trained group of leaders, acquainted with the country’s problems together with the possible solutions therefore that country can expect to face future challenges with confidence. When one views the BCIS-YCL Awards against such a prospect the BCIS must be congratulated for initiating this scheme.”

These were the very words said by Dr. Piyasena Dissanayake, former visiting lecturer to the Princeton University and a former Director of the Bandaranaike Center for International Studies when he was asked about the first impression that came to his mind when he heard about the on going Bandaranaike Center for International Studies-Young Community Leader (BCIS-YCL) Awards scheme.

As a devout Buddhist, what is it that gives you joy whenever you help someone?

“Relieving a living being from anxiety or pain without expecting any gain in return is the quality of merit”.

How would you define a Real Community Leader?

One who volunteers to work altruistically for the common good of the community at large naturally becomes a model Community Leader.

What kind of impact will the BCIS-YCL Awards create in today’s society from your point of view by felicitating the Sri Lankan Youth?

The Awards scheme encourages the youth to become conscientious citizens of the country. Do you see a great difference among young people when it comes to serving the Community, comparing to your days and today’s current situation?

It is the common view of educational psychologist that the youth of today are much more self-centered than the youth of, say three generations ago. In such a context, this scheme is highly commendable. What is the message that you would give to the youth regarding the Bandaranaike Center for International Studies (BCIS-YCL) Awards?

In view of the fact that schemes of this nature are rare indeed in our country, the youth of Sri Lanka must endeavour to make the most of this opportunity.

Keep reading for more interesting responses given by professionals from different fields in today’s society.