WORKING TO ONE HEARTBEAT

Malaika Sequeira yearns for a country that’s progressive and open-minded

Compiled by Nicola Jayasundera

Q: Could you shed some light on what’s good, bad and ugly in Sri Lanka?
A: I’ve witnessed a rise in youth activism on multiple fronts such as combatting social inequality and marine pollution. It’s immensely encouraging to know that the future leaders of Sri Lanka are already flexing their ‘advocacy muscles’ to better the country together with a shared, progressive mindset.

With regard to the bad and the ugly, there’s a lack of societal open-mindedness coupled with the prevalence of issues such as gender-based violence and various social stigmas. I would like to see more concerted action – both legal and social – in recog­nising and protecting LGBTQI+ rights, and improving women’s healthcare services in the country, to name a few.

Q: And what do you consider to be the main challenges facing the nation today?

A: Unfortunately, the pandemic continues to take a critical toll on Sri Lanka as with the rest of the world. In fact, it unearthed and exacerbated some setbacks that weren’t as apparent in the past such as unequal access to education.

Not only is the provision of a decent education scarce in rural regions but there’s also an alarming lack of accessibility to online learning due to the growing digital divide – particularly in a world that’s becoming more reliant on technology by the day.

This is an issue that will have both short and long-term inter-generational repercussions, driving a potential increase in future university dropouts and unemployment rates. This should be resolved before its effects are irreversible.

Q: Do you believe that Sri Lanka will be united one day? If so why – and how can this be achieved?
A: I certainly hope so. If everyone were to put aside their social and cultural differences, and adopt a more progressive, accepting and open-minded attitude aimed at reconciliation instead, the country could then beat with one heart.

Q: Where do you see yourself in 10 years’ time?
A: After earning university degrees and gaining exposure to the required expertise, I hope to be involved in the field of women’s rights advocacy. I want to ensure better accessibility to effective sanitation and healthcare services particularly in rural areas.

All this will be done while I pur­sue my love for literature, history and music on the side. And yes, I will definitely have a dog too!

Q: And where do you see Sri Lanka in a decade from today?
A: I expect to see increased modernisation and the integration of technology into various facets of life.

A shared mindset that’s centred on progressiveness and inclusiveness will have to be established amongst citizens, and adequate governmental measures imple­ment­ed to alleviate poverty and eliminate social inequality.

Q: In your opinion, who is responsible for climate change and global warming? And what measures must be taken to address the prevailing crisis?
A: I’d say that every individual plays a role in contributing to climate change and global warming in some capacity, and address­ing it can take place on multiple levels of society.

The government should imple­ment policies to enforce environmental protection and combat pollution; businesses should work to implement more energy efficient ways of functioning; and citizens must be more environmentally conscious and pursue eco-friendly lifestyle changes.

Q: What is your take on the growing importance of social media in today’s landscape?
A: I’ve developed a love-hate relationship with social media. Online platforms were a true blessing during the pandemic as they kept us all virtually interconnected despite being physically distanced. In addition, it’s been an excellent tool for grassroots organisations and small businesses to gain ground.

However, I view social media as more beneficial when it’s used in moderation. I have taken quite a few ‘digital detox’ breaks from my phone this year to focus on myself – rather than become a social media addict!

Q: And where do you see the world in 10 years’ time?
A: The global pandemic has shown us that the best laid plans of mice and men can certainly go awry! Vaccine inequality, economic imbalances, growing extremism and racism, refusal by countries to mitigate climate change and warmongering have all put a world already on edge into a worse quandary.

If these issues aren’t resolved soon, the world’s future in a decade looks bleak.