YOUTH FORUM
Compiled by Nicola Jayasundera
BUILDING A UNITED NATION
Meyon Fernando envisions a future where people are united through empathy
Q: What’s the good, the bad and the ugly in Sri Lanka?
A: Life is not as simple as black and white; there are also grey areas and every story has two sides – like a coin. So it’s not straightforward to classify something as being good, bad, ugly or beautiful.
However, there are things that we can improve in our motherland.
We tend to be judgemental and narrow-minded at times, and cling to the past at times. By being more open-minded, exploring untapped markets in Sri Lanka and using the country’s amazing natural resources, we can develop much faster.
Q: : And what are the challenges facing the country today?
A: We need to learn to let go of the past, release what we can’t control and focus on improving what we can – irrespective of how insignificant it may seem.
Q: Do you believe that Sri Lanka will be united one day – and how, if so?
A: People are gradually realising that they need to help one another and carry each other’s burdens, rather than trying to step on each other to achieve their own goals in life.
We’re also beginning to realise that regardless of race, religion and caste, we’re all one with one objective: to survive and enjoy our short stay on Earth.
Q: : Where do you see yourself in 10 years?
A: I see myself serving God’s will, helping people carry their burdens and putting smiles on their faces, and storing treasures in a place where they will not perish.
Moreover, I’d love to actively help those who are struggling with mental health problems, and also provide a platform for people whose voices and actions have been tamed… and help them grow.
In terms of ambition, I see myself as an entrepreneur, monetising my skills while simultaneously helping others to develop theirs.
Q: And where do you see Sri Lanka in a decade from today?
A: Our greatest asset is our people; so if we can unite as Sri Lankans despite our differences and focus on improving our country, I envision a wealthy nation.
This wealth may not simply be monetary although that is certainly achievable. What’s more important is to be rich in terms of unity and spreading joy among one another. That’s what will truly make this country an amazing place.
Q: Who is responsible for climate change and global warming – and what must be done about it?
A: Our actions, no matter how minute they may seem, contribute to climate change. But as much as the compound effect of our actions has a negative impact, we can also work collectively towards bringing about positive change.
Using renewable energy sources, recycling and advocating for the impact of human activities on climate change are some ways of trying to make a difference. The point is that all of us can do something about the situation even at a micro level, rather than only pointing fingers at organisations and industries.
Q: How do you view the growing importance of social media today?
A: We can use fire to warm ourselves but if we get too close, it will burn us. This analogy applies to social media as well.
Social media can be used to create content that inspires people and we can monetise it to provide for our loved ones; or we can consume fast, waste time on it and go down darker routes. Social media has a very sharp blade and if we’re not careful, we can end up bleeding.
So it must be wielded cautiously.
Q: And last but not least, where do you see the world in 10 years?
A: Hopefully, the world will be a place where people understand each other, join hands in whatever they do and support one another – a place where mercy and love flow endlessly, and understanding and empathy are powerful traits in every human being; a world where people forgive and forgive again.
It would be wonderful if people can love each other the way God loves us. If we can be united through the weak and imperfect love we have towards one another, we’ll be blessed by the creator.
That’s what I would call a successful world.
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