Q: In your view, has the aragalaya led to a united Sri Lanka – and if so, is this unity sustainable?
A: I strongly believe that the aragalaya has led to a united Sri Lanka. The youth involved in the aragalaya withstood the ruling family’s machinations due to their steadfast belief in and commitment to the pursuit of a better Sri Lanka.
People have ignored their gender differences and cultural backgrounds, and taken a step as the people of one nation. These are the Sri Lankan people I dream of – united as a family.
I think this unity would be sustainable if people continue to respect each other’s ways. The aragalaya has made us realise the true power we possess as united Sri Lankans.

Q: How do you view the aragalaya – and how do you think the voices of the youth should be heard?
A: World Protests identifies “mass middle-class involvement in protests” as a “new dynamic” that has ruptured “a pre-existing solidarity of the middle classes with elites,” mainly as a result of economic failures. Theoretically, the aragalaya can be described in this way.
Yet, in my opinion, it is much more than a common stand against corruption in our country. I believe that it is a revolution that has brought together the people of this nation despite racial and cultural differences.
This is a moment of change – to restore prosperity and promote the cause of peace – and for those who told us that we can’t, we responded as a nation with that timeless scream that sums up the spirit of our people: ‘Yes, we can!’

Q: How will you be the change you want to see?
A: I believe that anyone – every single person in Sri Lanka – can contribute to change. Change requires very small acts and they include picking up litter or planting a tree.
With the ongoing situation, our country needs its citizens to recover but unfortunately, people are leaving the country. Our country needs a strong and educated generation of citizens to contribute to its economic recovery. My vision is to contribute to my country by being a noble citizen.
How will I be the change? My vision is to educate myself first, build a successful business empire and contribute to my country with every action I make. My interest is to stay and help my motherland to recover from its harshest time. That is the change I want myself to be.

Q: As far as our education system goes, what are the pros and cons?
A: Sri Lanka’s literacy rate is very high. The youth literacy rate stands at 98 percent. Sri Lanka has achieved universal primary education parity. However, the literacy rate cannot completely reflect its true state.
The lack of creativity and over competitiveness is the result of our system. We should make changes by completely restructuring it and making it similar to the Japanese education system, which promotes creativity and discipline.
Further, there is inequality in our higher education system. Students who are unable to get into a national university after completing their A-Levels are left with limited opportunities if they’re from low income families – as they are unable to enrol themselves to study at private universities. A solution must be found for these problems.

MESSAGE TO THE YOUTH
I strongly encourage Sri Lankan youth to join the battle to end the current crisis and not leave the country.

SRI LANKA: FIVE BURNING ISSUES
Income inequality
Political extortion
Unhealthy rate of emigration
Lack of access to daily necessities
Unhealthy balance of payment deficit

ROLE MODEL
My father – He is a self-made man who overcame poverty and helped his family to live a better life. He worked hard and educated himself. He is kind-hearted and humble, and always willing to contribute to society and help the needy.

SUMMARY
Sri Lanka can be brought back to its former glory. It requires the support of citizens – especially the youth. We cannot be consumed by our petty differences.
To all those who have wondered if Sri Lanka’s beacon still burns as bright, we shall prove once more that the true strength of our nation comes not from the might of our arms or scale of our wealth but from the enduring power of our ideals, democracy, liberty, opportunity and unyielding hope.