Q: In your view, has the aragalaya led to a united Sri Lanka – and if so, is this unity sustainable?
A: In the face of recent adversities, the people of Sri Lanka have united under one common objective to shape a better future. Race, religion and ethnicity have been cast aside as they struggle for a ‘change in the system.’
Sustaining this unity beyond the crisis is important. The country doesn’t belong to any one race or religion but to the people of Sri Lanka. Unity among people is sustainable if people choose to live and let live, learning from their past mishaps.
No race or religion was ever the enemy. Unity is strength.

Q: How will you be the change you want to see?
A: A ‘change of the system’ doesn’t come from changing the people in power alone but by taking a stand against corruption by common people too. Unethically benefitting from the system should be despised.
A real change to the system can be brought about if we work on improving ourselves from the simplest point up. If we’re to challenge the politicians for their misconduct and go on to break the law ourselves, we would end up being nothing but hypocrites.
Acknowledging that we too are accustomed to this corrupted system will be the first step towards changing the whole system. It is only then that we can hope for a better future.

Q: As far as our education system goes, what are the pros and cons?
A: Our education system has always been applauded for being free and having high standards. It has produced many talented students who have gone on to make a mark in the world.
The availability of free education has seen the literacy rate become one of the best in Asia, and largely benefitted low income families who would otherwise not have been able to afford education. But the tough syllabus and competition engendered by the current system have taken a toll on students’ mental health.

Q: Do you see yourself remaining in Sri Lanka – or returning to Sri Lanka – or do you think it’s best to migrate?
A: Leaving the country was never on my checklist but the economic crisis has pushed me into opting to migrate for my higher education.
I’d be able to make my mark in the world – and make my country proud one day, if I migrate.

MESSAGE TO THE YOUTH
Better days will come… and we will be the ones to steer our country towards those better days.

SRI LANKA: FIVE BURNING ISSUES
Disposing of and overcoming the corrupt system and administration
Economic crisis with no solid recovery plan
Violation of fundamental and human rights – and a lack of justice for victims
Lack of action from authorities to protect fauna and flora
Lack of basic facilities and funding for public schools

ROLE MODEL
My brother – For not letting anything keep him from working his way up in life and standing up for himself.

SUMMARY
Sri Lanka has a long way to go before it can overcome the challenges it’s facing right now; but with unity among the people, a will to overcome all adversities and create a better future, this beautiful island nation will recover.