Young persons for positive change

Ishara JAYAWARDANE

TOYP 2011 winners under the ten categories

* Annesly Roshan Hettiarachchi (Business Accomplishment)
* Harsha Fernando (Legal Administration)
* W S Priyanath Jayashantha De M el (Academic Accomplishment)
* Thuduwage Yasarath Kamalsiri (Contribution to Media)
* Eassuwaren Subramannaiam (Environmental Leadership)
* Rev Bro R Pathirage Pubudu Rajapakse (Contribution to children)
* Thushara Deepal Dias Dahanayake (Voluntary Service)
* Dr Ruwan Jayashantha Illeperuma (Scientific Development)
* Dr Gathsaurie Neelika Malavige (Medical Research)
* Yasas Vishuddhi Abeywickrama (Personal Improvement and Accomplishment)

From left to right: Winner Rev Bro R Pathirage Pubudu Rajapakse, Jiffry Zulfer (2011 National President) and First Lady Shiranthi Rajapaksa

From left to right: Jiffry Zulfer (2011 National President), First Lady Shiranthi Rajapaksa, Dr Neelika Malavige (Winner), Samantha Ranatunga (Managing Director, CIC Holdings PLC) and Radhika De Silva (TOYP 2011, Project Chairperson)

It has been quite a journey for these ten young people. They have earned their awards through exemplary efforts and they are successful as far as their work is concerned. But the journey does not end here. They will go on to bigger and better things. This is just a taste of what the world can offer them. They have talent, drive, passion and integrity. They are leaders and they will inspire others.

Junior Chamber International (JCI) is a worldwide community of young active citizens between the ages of 18 and 40, who share the belief that in order to create positive change, we must take collective action to improve ourselves and the world around us. The Mission of JCI is to provide development opportunities that empower young people to create positive change. Their Vision is to be the leading global network of young active citizens.

Ten Outstanding Young Persons (TOYP) program in Sri Lanka is a National project organized by the Junior Chamber International Sri Lanka which was originally conceived and developed by Durward Howes, President of the United States Junior Chamber in 1930. In 1938, the program was officially adopted by the United States Jaycees (now called The United States Junior Chamber of Commerce). Since 1952 many National Junior Chambers have established their own Outstanding Young Persons Program. In 1981, JCI officially adopted the TOYP program. The Purpose of JCI’s TOYP program is to honour ten individuals between the ages of 18 and 40 who exemplify the finest attributes of the world’s young people.

Moreover, the winners who receive a TOYP award will be recognized internationally through the Junior Chambers global network of chambers in 115 countries. 

“My team and I are proud to be given the challenge of organizing the TOYP 2011. We have worked silently and sincerely, leaving no stone unturned to make this event a great, lasting memory,” says Radhika De Silva, TOYP 2011 Project Chairperson. “Each nominee tonight demonstrates how a single individual has the power to create positive change in the world around them. These individuals have illustrated passionate, creative and innovative thinking and their work reflects the values and ideals that every Sri Lankan should aspire for,” said Jiffry Zulfer, 2011 National President.

Winner, Dr Gathsaurie Neelika Malavige, one of the very few winners pointed out that women are very much underrepresented in the competition as always. She reiterated that it is very difficult for women to do well in their careers while managing all other commitments.

“However my mother had an excellent career but to me, my brother and sister she was the best mother in the whole world. However it was my father who gave me the courage and strength to do things.”

He taught me a very important lesson that if there is will there is always a way. My husband is the most positive person I have ever met and he taught me that nothing is impossible,” said Dr Gathsaurie Neelika Malavige.

“I thank god for receiving this honourable award. Let us touch the hearts of those children who come to us for care. Jesus said; ‘Let the little children come to me because the kingdom of heaven is theirs’. For many reasons children are denied the love and care of parents. Some children have no home. We must respond to neglected children,” said Winner, Rev Bro R Pathirage Pubudu Rajapakse.