YOUTH FORUM

Compiled by Nicola Jayasundera

REBUILDING MOTHER LANKA 

Roshith Abeysundara reflects on a generation that simply refuses to give up

Q: What’s the good, the bad and the ugly in Sri Lanka?

A: Sri Lanka is a small island with a big heart. Our people are warm, resilient and have learnt to smile even through the hardest of times. We have rich traditions, a proud culture and natural beauty that remind us why we call this island ‘home.’

But the bad emerges when we forget our potential and allow corruption and divisions to take root.

The ugly is seeing our talent – including many from my generation – leave the country because they’ve lost hope.

Q: And what are the challenges facing the nation at this time?

A: Sri Lanka’s biggest challenge is rebuilding trust – in leadership, in the system and most importantly, in the future.

The economic crises we’ve faced have shown how fragile the system is with people still struggling with debt, rising costs and uncertainty.

Another challenge is changing mindsets; moving away from blame and the past – and instead, taking responsibility and looking forward with optimism.

Q: What are the challenges facing young people in Sri Lanka today?

A: Young people face more pressure than ever. We are expected to excel academically, in sports and in extracurricular activities, often getting caught in a rat race simply because others are doing it.

Many dream big but lack the support to turn those dreams into reality. Mental pressure and fear of failure are high, because society still measures success in narrow and traditional ways.

Q: How can our youth contribute to national progress?

A: Youth can contribute to progress by using their talents wisely – through volunteering, small businesses, leadership roles or creating awareness. At St. Peter’s, we’re taught that virtue and truth are values that guide us beyond the classroom.

If all young people choose to serve honestly and wholeheartedly, we can rebuild our country – and remain united as one family: Sri Lankans.

Q: What type of leadership do you think the world needs right now?

A: The world needs leaders who are fair, just and empathetic – not those who shout the loudest or rule through fear. Leaders must listen and lead by example.

True leadership is rooted in empathy and consistency. A good leader may not always have the answers but should acknowledge his or her mistakes and learn from others. We need leaders who act with integrity, not those who hide behind false images.

Q: How has the advent of AI and technology shaped your view of the future?

A: AI and technology have changed how we think and learn. They make life fast paced but also make it easier to depend on machines without thinking deeply. While I use AI for research and ideas, I also know how it can reduce social interaction.

But it’s not the fault of technology; it is about how we choose to use it. As students, we must use it wisely rather than let it control us.

Q: As a young person, what are your hopes for and concerns about the future?

A: My hope is to see people recognised for their hard work and honesty – to see recognition based on merit.

I believe that young people should be granted opportunities to lead and make a difference, as we have so much talent and creativity among us, which too often goes unnoticed or underused.

And I believe that change begins with us; and if we can each hold on to hope, believe in our potential and work together with purpose, we can shape a bright future for ourselves.

Q: If you could launch a project or movement in Sri Lanka, what would it be – and why?

A: I’d start a project that connects students across schools, districts and backgrounds, to share ideas and serve together – and learn from one another. Too often, we stay in our comfort zones – Colombo vs. rural, one community vs. another.

I want to bridge that gap through teamwork and empathy. We can either complain or contribute; and as the head prefect of my college, I see how much potential lies in young people – the creativity, kindness and courage they bring.

What we need now is belief – in ourselves and each other – so we can rise together for a better Sri Lanka.