FINDING COMMON GROUND

Urshella Hishaam wants our leaders to celebrate the country’s diversit

Compiled by Savithri Rodrigo

Q: What are the good, bad and ugly in Sri Lanka?
A: The smile is one of the best things about Sri Lanka. And the hospitality, compassion and kindness shown by Sri Lankans, especially in times of need, are unparalleled.

Sri Lanka’s ‘black spot,’ however, stems from insecurity, greed and division, which lead to a high prevalence of preposterous activities, including rape and domestic violence. The greed among some leads to corruption. Division, along with a lack of effective communication, is the root cause of discrimination against some racial and ethnic groups that are integral to this country.

Q: How can Sri Lanka retain its talent and curtail the brain drain?
A: A balance must be found between the modern technological evolution and Sri Lanka’s traditional outlook.

There is a need to discard the pedestal upon which titles such as engineer, doctor, lawyer, teacher and accountant are placed. A country needs these services, but with changing times, the job market has gained a wider scope.

Quality of life and better economic benefits are the main contributors to brain drain, while the insignificance afforded to most other occupations is another. Recognising, investing in and improving opportunities for researchers, designers, artists, entrepreneurs and others will attract educated Sri Lankans, and help retain our talent.

Q: Do we have young leaders who can take the nation forward?
A: There are some leaders who are organised; others who’re happy to follow instructions, but display leadership by fulfilling their responsibilities; and some others who delegate, and lead by example. There are many Sri Lankan youth who possess these qualities. If we unite and identify these strengths in ourselves, and improve them, every single one of us could be a leader.

Q: Do you believe that Sri Lanka will be united one day?
A: I do believe so; not because I’m an optimistic teenager, but since I have faith in my country and its people.

The first step lies in communication. Being a multicultural country, the day we can communicate with each other, share our thoughts and ideas, and express our views without having to worry about language barriers will be when we’ll be truly united. With multilingualism, conflicts can
be resolved through discussion and understanding.

Q: Where do you see yourself in 10 years’ time?
A: My life isn’t planned, but my passions lie in learning new things and collating knowledge. In 10 years’ time, I hope to have a bachelor’s degree, a master’s and have worked towards a PhD. Astrophysics is where my academic interests lie, so I definitely see myself engaging in research or working on my ambitions. My love for Sri Lanka will draw me back, and I hope to use my education for my country and its people.

Q: What are your expectations of the world and its people?
A: In a utopian world, the importance of justice and fairness will be recognised. People shouldn’t have to suffer for another’s mistakes; there should be equality in the treatment of everyone, while celebrating individual uniqueness.

We should all understand that compromise is the key to finding common ground for a peaceful world in which to prosper. And if magic was real, I would attend the Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry.

Q: How do you view gender equality and environmental degradation?
A: We should all strive for gender equality. A single chromosome should not get in the way of respect, acknowledgement or even the salary a person rightfully deserves.

Environmental degradation is a huge flashing danger sign. While we cannot control the natural causes of degradation, we can prevent many anthropogenic causes. Pollution, overpopulation and deforestation not only affect the environment, but impact human survival as well.

Q: How do you view the conflicts that are raging in the world?
A: These present conflicts are unnecessary. The Taliban in Afghanistan, the civil wars in Syria and Libya, the tension in the South and East China Seas, the North Korean crisis, the war in Iraq and countless other conflicts that rage today can all be resolved through communication, negotiation and compromise.

While the responsibility for these conflicts cannot be pinpointed, it is the countries’ leaders who must resolve them – not their armies.