Q: In your view, has the aragalaya led to a united Sri Lanka – and if so, is this unity sustainable?
A: The aragalaya has been a great unifying initiative; but its sustainability depends on whether external forces will succeed in creating issues among the people involved – and whether this unity might be forgotten once solutions are found for the burning issues.
This unity may not be sustainable in the long run since people tend to forget things easily when they are back to their usual lifestyles.

Q: How will you be the change you want to see?
A: The best way is by starting today – avoid procrastination and take the initial step. This step is always the hardest. Change begins with the first move.
In addition, organising yourself and planning your day will make a big difference to self-confidence and believing in yourself – qualities that are key to being the change you want to see.

Q: As far as our education system goes, what are the pros and cons?
A: Providing free education is one of the significant pros as this ensures that every child has an opportunity. Education is available in all three languages and government examinations are free.
The tough competitiveness is something that lessens the desire for education and if a more practical based system could be introduced, students would enjoy what they learn.

Q: Do you see yourself remaining in Sri Lanka – or returning to Sri Lanka – or do you think it’s best to migrate?
A: Sri Lanka is blessed with countless natural resources and unique beauty but it could be more developed. The lack of infrastructure, facilities and stressful living conditions are the cause of more people migrating.
Students leave the country for higher education and only a few return as most try to settle abroad because they see the difference between the countries. But I think the best we can do as the youth is to remain in Sri Lanka and work for its development.

MESSAGE TO THE YOUTH
Work hard, chase your goals and be the change that you and the country require.

SRI LANKA: FIVE BURNING ISSUES
Fuel
Gas
High inflation
Lack of food and increasing malnutrition
Medicine

ROLE MODEL
Cristiano Ronaldo – He proved that hard work, believing in yourself and following your passion are the keys to success.

SUMMARY
Unity, hard work, good education and having goals in life will help you to be the change you want to see – and become a productive citizen.