MESSAGE TO THE YOUTH
Try to be a dreamer who does and a doer who dreams. That’s what the world needs now more than ever.

SRI LANKA: FIVE BURNING ISSUES
Political instability
Poverty and unemployment
Economic mismanagement
Abuse of children and women
Children not having access to a proper education

ROLE MODEL
My mother – For being my biggest pillar of strength and the most selfless person I know.

SUMMARY
It’s no secret that Sri Lanka is in the midst of a grave crisis, which you and I are also a part of. And there’s no doubt that what led to this moment are years of corruption and mismanagement. So in order to liberate Sri Lanka from this crisis, a major change has to be made to the whole system and with regard to education.
For this change to happen, it is you and I who need to start by changing – for what makes Sri Lanka, Sri Lanka, are the 22 million hearts that beat in it.

Q: How will you be the change you want to see?
A: I will start with simple things. If I want to see a world that’s full of love and kindness, I will start by spreading love and showing kindness. If I want people to be truthful to me, I will start by being truthful to them. It’s as simple as that.
But as the saying goes, the simplest is the most difficult. It’s all about never hesitating to initiate good things.

Q: As far as our education system goes, what are the pros and cons?
A: Even though Sri Lanka is notable for its high literacy rate and free education, I think what the system needs now is nothing but a big change.
It’s high time we stop trying to mould each and every student into individuals who get the perfect score at exams, and put a lot of pressure and stress on them. Instead, we could focus on encouraging creative and out of the box thinking.

Q: Do you see yourself remaining in Sri Lanka – or returning to Sri Lanka – or do you think it’s best to migrate?
A: Though I may venture overseas at some point for my studies or career, I have yet to decide whether I’m going to migrate or remain in Sri Lanka.
But what I know is that wherever I am, my heart will always be in Sri Lanka and I’ll do whatever it takes in my capacity to resolve the issues facing the country – and make it a better place for future generations to live in.

Q: Where do you see Sri Lanka in a decade from today?
A: Given the current events in the country, it’s really hard to predict where Sri Lanka will be in another 10 years.
I hope that in a decade from today, we see a country that is not fettered by corruption and mismanagement; where sensible and educated leaders with empathy, strong visions and creative ideas – and who are willing to see politics as a service instead of a source of income – will govern.
In addition, I wish to see a country in which its citizens are fully aware of their rights, and have a higher level of political, social and economic literacy.