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As we celebrate 73 years of Independence and our own governance, it is important to look back and understand that as much as we have achieved as a nation, there is still very much more left for us to achieve to become an ideal, equitable, progressive nation. Our history post-Independence has been troubled, most notably the three-decade-long civil war which ended in 2009.
Enter the Centenary Movement, a coalition of Sri Lankan young professionals from across the nation striving to ensure that Sri Lanka can celebrate 100 years of independence in 2048 as a “united, prosperous, just, and thriving nation”; a nation that would be a model to the world of incredible national transformation by Sri Lanka’s centenary of independence.
The Morning Brunch reached out to Centenary Movement Director Prashan De Visser to learn more about visionary collective.
What sparked the Centenary Movement and who are the people behind it?
When Sri Lanka celebrates her 100th independence anniversary in 2048, it is our hope that our nation would have experienced a transformation in its sociopolitical and economic landscape. We as a generation have inherited a nation embroiled in violent conflict and devastated by corruption.
Even though we may not have had control over what we inherited, we have a responsibility and privilege to serve the generations to come. It is this desire and commitment that has led to this movement. We strive to build a nation that can be celebrated as a just, thriving, innovative society and as a model of a nation recovering from a violent and unfortunate history.
The Centenary Movement is led by a board of young professionals from various ethnic, social, and economic backgrounds with expertise in a wide range of policy areas.
How is the Centenary Movement going to work?
Our first step is to launch the Centenary Academy. This will be an academy of young leaders who are keen, capable, and passionate to step into this role. They will be trained, equipped, and mentored to become leaders who have competence, character, clarity, and compassion to lead our nation to the next century of her independence.
The first cohort will be 50 students representing all provinces of the island. They will undergo a year-long training to achieve the above dream. The following are our key policy focuses and working committees to ensure we are growing in our capacity as a movement.
Education and skills development – it is vital that Sri Lanka creates an education system that is learner-first and outcome-driven. The policy focus is on five key areas of impact-learners, educators, digital access, financing, and research.
Diversity and inclusion – the policy focus acknowledging the role of women, citizens of oppressed castes and classes, those with disabilities, etc. who have been systematically discriminated against, stigmatized, and excluded from leadership roles.
Agriculture and environment – the policy focus will be framed within the context of climate change, its effect on agriculture, fisheries, and loss of biodiversity with special focus on climate adaptation and resilience for all.
Governance – imparting knowledge pertaining to politics, policymaking, and leadership so young individuals can navigate policy and governance spaces of Sri Lanka with a sound understanding of how such systems work.
Economy – the policy area focuses on economic reforms with a focus on macroeconomic stability, research, and technology; empowered labour force; and business-friendly regulations to achieve sustainable economic prosperity.
Health and wellbeing – a patient/people-centred health policy governed by principles of universal health coverage providing equal access to healthcare that assures special justice and patients rights.
You’re looking to achieve a lot by 2048. How do you plan to keep up momentum?
By identifying, training, and proving a platform for young leaders each year and ensuring they are mentored and guided to enter leadership spaces of influence. A focused effort with clear goals to accomplish by the centenary will hold us accountable. Small wins and growing momentum will fuel the fire.
In essence, we believe Sri Lanka deserves better. We are committed to serve wholeheartedly till we see a transformed nation and to remain in Sri Lanka and persevere despite the challenges.
2048 is 27 years away, and we need to start now. National transformation is going to take a generation and a national shift of worldview and vision. We place our trust and investment in a new generation of Sri Lankan leaders. They are the future; the establishment has failed us.
As the Centenary Movement launches today, what are you feeling?
We are excited. Over 500 people have applied to join the movement via our website – incredibly competent and inspiring applicants from across the nation.
Nearly 300 of them wanted to join the political academy. We only have 50 seats for the first cohort. We have spent zero money on advertising or recruiting groups to advertise in districts across the country. However, the interest, passion, and resonance for the vision and purpose and thirst for change are palpable. We are not alone; this is a generation yearning for change. We are sick and tired of incompetence, corruption, violence, and missed opportunities as a nation. Hence, we are eager to serve and contribute to a transformed nation, led by leaders of competence, compassion, clarity of vision, and strong upright character.