YOUTH FORUM
Compiled by Nicola Jayasundera
OPTIMISM BEYOND THE HAZE
Thanya Rajaguru shares insights on leadership and the power youth hold
Q: What’s the good, the bad and the ugly in Sri Lanka?
A: The good is that despite all the complications Sri Lanka faces, its people continue to uphold the famed Sri Lankan hospitality and spirit of camaraderie with each other, both at home and internationally.
And the bad is the failing integrity of Sri Lankan leaders, who are willing to commit heinous crimes in the name of power. Every year, thousands are given hope for change, merely to be disappointed once the votes are secured.
The ugly is that these dishonest tactics are the new normal, where unscrupulous people are elected to positions of power and glorified as saviours of society.
Q: And what are the challenges facing the country today?
A: Apart from the obvious challenges faced by our economy, a more obscure challenge we face is the lack of awareness of environmentally green design.
Many South Asian countries face air pollution and Sri Lanka is one of them. The air quality in urban areas has long since reached unhealthy levels; and although government officials and companies have been working to address this issue, a large percentage of the public remains unaware.
As a result, most drivers almost never get their eco tests done, which in turn increases air pollution, leading to more lives being claimed by lung and skin cancer.
Q: How can our youth contribute to national progress?
A: The youth are the future citizens of Sri Lanka. If they work to identify and eradicate the flaws they see in society, while respecting their elders, we can progress much faster than by merely grappling with the economy – a country is only as good as its people.
If people act instead of aimlessly talking about change, a better economy will be a natural by-product.
Q: What type of leadership do you think the world needs right now?
A: The world is a diverse place with more than a million different cultures and beliefs. It’s virtually impossible for one person to rule the world. Every culture should have a leader who understands them – and can connect with them through shared beliefs.
It should be the peoples’ right to choose their own leaders, since leadership varies from person to person. It’s an art of understanding and supporting followers so that everyone shines while maintaining control over the less appealing segments of society.
However, in a more general sense, I believe the world right now needs a leader who can listen. Many conflicts have broken out over the course of history due to a few misplaced words. A leader who can listen and understand the struggles of his or her followers would think twice before declaring war.
Thousands of families are torn apart during war. This could be prevented if world leaders negotiate with one another and listen to each other before turning to take up arms – a little compassion can go a long way.
Q: How has the advent of AI and technology shaped your view of the future?
A: Artificial intelligence and technology were bound to be developed by our ever evolving race to cater to our growing wants.
Yet personally, I believe AI should be given limited power and only allowed to think for itself if it has a set of unbreakable moral principles instilled in its code. Although AI makes our lives undeniably easier, providing it with too much power could be dangerous.
AI can be programmed to look, think and talk like humans but it’ll never replace humans or the perfect imperfections of humanity.
Q: As a young person, what are your hopes for and concerns about the future?
A: I hope for a world in which problems are heard and acknowledged by those in power. Issues will continue to arise as long as humans live so hoping for a problem free world would be futile.
Yet, a future in which problems and issues are openly addressed instead of being hidden to protect the pride of certain individuals would lead to a better future for all.
Q: If you could launch a project or movement in Sri Lanka, what would it be – and why?
A: A movement to raise awareness about the importance of keeping vehicles eco-friendly – especially heavy vehicles such as buses and trucks – as this would reduce air pollution in heavily populated areas.
