SL youth delegates to UN will echo voice of the generation

4 September 2013 06:30 pm - 0 - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}

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Filled with youthful enthusiasm and passion, they are eager to make a positive change in the world as they prepare to leave their mark at the United Nations General Assembly. Adhil Bakeer Markar and Hansani Chapa Perera, both in their early twenties, have been selected to represent Sri Lanka as the youth delegates to the UN for the year 2013-2014. Selected amongst more than 400 other applicants, they are the second group of Sri Lankan youth delegates to the UN.

Hailing from a prominent political family in the country, Adhil is a product of Royal College and Asian International School. After completing his Bachelor of Law (LLB) under the international programme of the University of London at Royal Institute, he is currently a student at the Law College. A budding diplomat from since his school days, Adhil represented Sri Lanka at the Future World Leaders’ Summit in Washington D.C. in 2009. Having served as the president of the Rotaract Club of Colombo North and as the Founder-Secretary General of the Youth Model United Nations in Sri Lanka, Adhil is closely in touch with the youth of Sri Lanka as well as those from all corners of the world.

His partner, Chapa, a former student of Museaus College is currently a LLB student at the Faculty of Law. Apart from being the editor-in-chief of the Tagged Teen Magazine and an active member of the Moot Court and Debating Society at the Faculty of Law, she also serves as a minister for senate coordination at the Youth Parliament of Sri Lanka. Chapa has also taken Sri Lanka’s name to international arenas by taking part in competitions such as Asian British Parliamentary Debate Championship held in Indonesia and the Mediation Tournament Organised by the International Academy of Dispute Resolution in Dubai. Speaking about his fervor to create a better future for youngsters in Sri Lanka Adhil said that he could relate to concerns of people of all races and religions.

"For both Chapa and Adhil, the problems faced by the Sri Lankan youth are close at heart. Ahead of leaving for the UN General Assembly mid-September, Adhil and Chapa are travelling around the country from North to the South, to speak to youngsters and get more insight into the challenges faced by them"

“I come from a Muslim family, was educated in Buddhist school and I can speak Sinhalese, Tamil and English. I have already had a fairly broad international exposure so I can understand issues and pressures facing our youth as well as those around the world,” Adhil said.

For both Chapa and Adhil, the problems faced by the Sri Lankan youth are close at heart. Ahead of leaving for the UN General Assembly mid-September, Adhil and Chapa are travelling around the country from North to the South, to speak to youngsters and get more insight into the challenges faced by them including war, unemployment, discrimination, poverty, health and lack of education.

“The major issues affecting the youth are consistent with the Millennium Development Goals. Therefore, their input, insight and advice are vital in achieving these goals,” claimed Adhil.

Speaking about their role as youth delegates, he further explained that their main goal was to be the bridge for connecting the grassroots-level youth in the island with the international community.

"Another main responsibility shared by Chapa and Adhil is to organise the World Youth Conference which is to be hosted by Sri Lanka next year"

“Apart from being the voice of the Sri Lankan youth on the global platform, during our year’s tenure we also aim to create awareness amongst our young people about the UN as well as about international youth movements,” Adhil added.

Echoing his sentiments, Chapa said that one of their other goals was to encourage youngsters to participate in political discussions and empower them to be actively engaged in making a difference.

Another main responsibility shared by Chapa and Adhil is to organise the World Youth Conference which is to be hosted by Sri Lanka next year.

Chapa said they are both extremely excited to have been given the opportunity to contribute to the progress of Sri Lanka’s youth.

“I strongly believe in Sri Lanka and our youth. I believe we can make a positive change for all young people in our nation,” she said.

Pix by Kushan Pathiraja

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SL youth delegates to UN will echo voice of the generation

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