Unite Sri Lanka
Ruwini JAYAWARDANA
A dance item |
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Taking part in activities |
In this era when the emphasis is on youth and leadership, Sri Lanka
Unites (SLU) has decided to focus on providing opportunities for a
better future via reconciliation. They have decided that great things
can only be achieved if all those in the society bond and work as one.
Unity is the key aspect which paves way for development and everyone
needs to work as a team with a new spirit of cooperation and
understanding. Therefore it is vital to instill understanding between
youth from all communities and religions. Stereotyped views need to be
eliminated from taking root or past mistakes will be repeated again.
Developing sustainable leaders for the future is one of the key
aspects of the Future Leader's Conference which will be held at Jaffna
College, Vaddukoddai from August 28 to September 1. Held for the first
time in Jaffna, this is the fourth chapter of SLU's key annual event.
The conference hopes to bring together 500 youth between 15 to 16
years from 75 schools across the isle. They will represent 25 districts
in Sri Lanka and will take the message forward to their contemporaries
and elders.
They will be mentored by 100 local and international university
student volunteers and will also be joined by 75 teachers.
Important leadership principals will be taught to them to carry on
with their future endeavours.
"SLU is an impressive self-reliant movement born and nurtured by the
youth. It reflects hope for the country. Their remarkable commitment in
building a future Sri Lanka, free of prejudice, deserves kudos," Former
United Nations (UN) Under-Secretary-General for Disarmament Affairs,
Former Secretary General SCOPP Sri Lanka and Chairman of the Sri Lanka
Unites (SLU) Board of Trustees Ambassador Jayantha Dhanapala noted on
the significant work done by SLU.
Youth work together for a better tomorrow
Bonding big time |
He also said that the society should not rely entirely on the
government in resolving reconciliation issues.
"A lot can be done at grass root level. The personal bonds between
the students make them realize that they are all equal citizens of one
country. SLU has been able to establish links with the youth in the Sri
Lanka diaspora. The youth who live in communities abroad have learnt the
benefits of living in a multi cultural democratic society and are
pledged to come and assist their motherland to achieve what has been
achieved in other democracies," he said.
The conference is also aimed to create a national as well as global
network of dynamic leaders capable of acting as sustainable development
ambassadors to take the message and work forward to the rest of the
society.
They bond with their fellow companions and work towards practicing
the principals that have been taught to them.
It is a unique journey of self discovery in the end because each
individual will be able to glean information and discover on the best
means to use their hidden potentials for the betterment of the country,
society and themselves.
"If you want to create sustainable peace throughout the world, we
have to make a lifelong commitment to work and make that happen. We have
to think about living in a world of security and meeting the basic needs
of everybody on the planet. The efforts that the youth take to bring
real reconciliation and sustainable peace to Sri Lanka is a marvel for
other young people everywhere," Nobel Prize Laurent Jodi Williams voiced
her message in a commentary video which she has made on behalf of the
Future Leader's Conference.
Former Principal of Muslim Ladies College Jezima Ismail said that
distrust and gowning animosity among communities and religions are the
reasons for past mistakes.
The end of terrorism does not mean the end of conflict. She said that
the elder generation needs the inspiration of youth to take matters
forward and solve the root problems of mistrust.
Speaking at the event Women's Education Resource Centre (WERC)
Executive Director Dr Selvy Tiruchandran said that the time has come for
the younger brains to get together to cooperate sentimentally,
ideologically and practically to unite Sri Lanka. "Identity is something
which relates to self. The moment you politicize the self and seek
cultures, religions and language, you are dividing humanity. We need to
forget our identity and think of ourselves as human beings who have a
role to play on behalf of the country," she opined adding that
communication is fundamental in getting people together. |