Asia Pacific Regional Jamboree from April 1 to 6

The Asia Pacific Regional Jamboree along with the centenary celebrations of Sri Lanka scouting will be held in Dambulla from April 1 to 6.

Over 1,500 scouts from 27 countries of the Asia Pacific Region and 6,000 scouts from all parts of the island will participate in the international jamboree.

Chief Commissioner Chandrasena Batuwangala said this is the first ever international jamboree with a large contingent from foreign countries to be held in Sri Lanka.

“The conducive and peaceful environment in the country following the end of terrorism, invites extensive participation of foreign scouts and officials,” he said.

The jamboree is organised by the Sri Lanka Scout Association with the concurrence of the Executive Committee of the Asia Pacific Region of the World Organisation of the Scout Movement in the Philippines.

Year 2012 is a landmark of Sri Lanka Scouting which completes 100 years of yeoman service to the country, society and particularly youths. Lord Baden Powell inaugurated the Scout Movement in 1907 in the Brownsie island in England. Sri Lanka followed suit.

In 1912 Francis George Stevenson, a prominent planter in the then Ceylon, introduced scouting to Sri Lanka. The first ever scout contingent was established in the Christ Church College, Matale, a release from the Sri Lanka Scout Association said.

It added: “Ever since, the scout movement extended into every nook and corner of Sri Lanka to become one of the most prestigious youth movements with a membership of more than 46,000 today.

“The most salient feature of the movement is that all officials work on a voluntary basis sans any monetary considerations.

Although the scout movement is in operation in 161 countries, Sri Lanka stands out as one of the most recognised movements with active involvement in noticeable initiatives activities.”