Together we go
To build a brand-new home
For a nation’s tomorrow
Flaring fires of freedom
Souls ringing to the calls from above
To keep on keeping on…
Nature has given it all to Sri Lanka, but corruption has taken it away. You name it, we have it. Amazing food, rich culture, architecture, history, beaches, mountains, waterfalls, train rides, surfing, snorkeling, wildlife, affordable luxury hotels, sunsets, and beautiful people.
As a nation, we have gone through a lot of struggles, but like always we have learned to stand up and push through these challenges calling ourselves proud Sri Lankans. This time is no different, we have finally got up to take what is ours, to save our land, our flora, our seas, and our animals, the paradise that gifted us the sweetest memories in our journey of life.
With an honest hope of our voices being heard, the Public Relations avenue of the Rotaract Club of Faculty of Science, University of Colombo came up with the idea for the initiation of With YOUth. A project that met with huge success undergoing as many hurdles raising the fact that even miracles happen amidst doom and gloom when a united force bearing the same vision rise as one.
Embracing 4 phases; Seeharawa, a patriotic musical, Awaken, a youth forum, an official Facebook page, and a short video series, With YOUth was indeed a bulk project, tied up without a hitch owing much to the constant support and guidance by our seniors, Rtr. Sithira Abeywardhane and Rtr. Hiruni de Silva.
Getting into the details, the project kicked off with a short video series comprising impactful content passing a message to the viewers on the ways of overcoming afflictions through unity. The members of the organizing committee along with fellow Rotaractors set a great example of the idea of togetherness in this phase. Their collective effort brought out impressive outcomes grabbing the attention of many.
Throughout the project, a Facebook page was maintained to exhibit the creative views of the public. Many talented individuals took this opportunity to convey the untold realities of our country’s fate by means of poetry, artworks, short stories, and graphic designs.
Following, came the highlight of the project, Seeharawa, the sensational musical night of grace and glamour. An attempt to induce patriotism in the hearts of the youth and bring solace to those in distress. For us, Seeharawa reminds of day-long practices, various pitch maintaining hacks, random unscheduled upbeat songs, and the undying will to do our best. An event that created a few of the best memories so far. A night that came to an end as a tremendous success exceeding expectations bringing tears to the eyes of many. Hard work paid off in smiles and cheers.
Thus, we reached the final phase of With YOUth, Awaken, the ultimate youth forum echoing the voice of change where many personalities of various professional statuses joined to express their thoughts through the power of speech, awakening the Sri Lankan spirit among the listeners.
Hence, our journey of caressing Mother Lanka’s soul’s agonies met ends. Shoutouts to all members of the organizing committee, Rotaractors, and non–rotaractors for displaying a great team spirit at every moment of our endeavour.
With YOUth bids farewell with the hope of a better future, one nation, and a reunited country flourished with love and humanity.
By Rtr. Jithaka Alexander
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