The International Youth Day 2011 celebration was organized by the SUNFO Youth Congress on 21st August 2011 at the National Museum, Colombo.
The event kicked off with the arrival of the Chief Guests, both the International Guest of Honor her Worship Madam Carine Duret, Deputy Mayor of the Vendenheim Council, and the National Guest of Honor Hon. Ms. Anarkalee Arkarsha.SPC They were welcomed and escorted into the hall along with the rest of the VIPs. The Chief Guests and the VVIPs were then invited to participate in the lighting of the traditional oil lamp officially commencing proceedings in celebration of the international Youth Day 2011.
The Welcome address was delivered by Ms Chamindri Liyanage who welcomed all the guests. The theme Speech delivered by Director General SUNFO Peace Ambassador Dr. Deshapriya S. Wijethunga. Madam Sithhy Ayesha Zain delivered the message from United Nations Secretary General, Ban Ki Moon who emphasized the importance of Peace and Harmony between all nations and the huge mantle that the youth of this world would have to carry in ensuring a better world.
Mr. M T M Nisran an A/level student from Eheliyagoda Central College , Eheliyagoda with exceptional artistic ability presented the South Asian Peace Youth Camp Logo.
The head of IJTS presented the official website for the South Asian Peace Youth Camp which was then launched by the National Guest of Honor Hon. Anarkalee Akarsha.
The IRYS Kerala youth team presented their experiences of their tour and thanked SUNFO for granting them this once in a life time opportunity.
The three French youth delegates also briefly addressed the gathering and expressed their gratitude towards the SUNFO, their hosts for taking good care of them during their short visit to Sri Lanka .
International Chief Guest Her Worship Madam Carrine Duret addressed the audience next in French. Hon. Ms. Anarkalee Akarsha delivered her speech next and touched on a number of issues that youths of Sri Lanka confronted on a daily basis from the time that they leave the protection of their parents and enter into adulthood. She also spoke about the many challenges that she faced as a youth and as a woman in politics.
SUNFO delegation to International Youth Peace festival declared
Madam Chandrika De Zoysa introduced the Sri Lankan delegation to IYPF-Chandigarh – including the National Team, the Young Councilors and the cultural team. They were also presented membership certificates.
The objective of International Youth Peace Festival, mobilizing youth to unite the world, where geographical boundaries can remain but barriers disappear. This time there will br more than 1000 young people participating from 25 different countries. It provides them a platform for increased cross-fertilization of ideas.
The National Team members for this event are as follows:
Tilina Balasuriya, Chathurangi De Silva, Chamindri Liyanage, Thilina, Weerasekera, Ninuka Karunanayaka, Gayan Rajitha, Nishath Omar, Mohamed Sabry, Yohan Fonseka, Kalpana Ambepitiya and Asanka Sumanarathna.
Cultural Presentations
The cultural troupe performed many items such as a Pooja Dance, a Creative Dance, an Orchestra, a Folk Dance. There was also time for a special dance item by the cultural troupe that will be representing Sri Lanka at the IYPF in Chandigarh , India .
Global Youth Service Day National Best Project in Sri Lanka.
The most eagerly anticipated event, which was the Presentation of Awards, took place next. Global Youth Service Day Winners,Mahiwala Gardens Students Front, for their service project at Southern Province Child Development Center on 30-04-2011. Hon. Advisor Madam Padma Kolonne and team received the Award.
Other Awards and Nominations:
International Youth Day Best Projects: Guinness Record Creators (Global Change Makers), Islandwide Debet by LYON President Mr.Aruna , Youth Center Building by Arch.Marini, Best News Report by Tharunaya Paper Mr.Dinesh were nominated for IYV+10 SUNFO Recognition during the year.
SUNFO membership – Supportive Fellow and associate Membership Certificates were presented.
