The Asia Pacific Regional Scout Growth Co-ordinators Meet was inaugurated at 9.30 am. today (13 October 2023) at the Morven Hotel in Colombo. Hon. Ali Sabry, PC, Minister of Foreign Affairs was the Chief Guest.
Attorney at Law Mr. Janaprith Fernando, Chief Scout Commissioner delivered the Welcome Address and appreciated the presence of the foreign Minister at an International Gathering hosted by the Sri Lanka Scout Association. He further said the reason to hold this Meet in Sri Lanka is because of the achievement of strong membership growth and as at present reaching 115,000.
He welcomed the Ambassadors and High Commissioners of participating countries at the Meet. He praised the support of the government for scout activities. Mr. S. Prassanna Shrivastava, Director of Organisational Development and Messengers of Peace of Asia Pacific Support Centre of the World Organisation of the Scout Movement stated in his address that scouting must help young people of what they want to achieve in life.
Chief Guest Hon. Ali Sabry in his address said that Sri Lanka faced various problems during the last 3 years resulting in economic issues and now we are recovering and are better than last year.
He complimented the scout movement for bringing together diverse groups whereas they remained segregated in other places.
Attorney at law Mr. Saminda Jayasekera, Headquarters Scout Commissioner and Workshop Director proposed the vote of Thanks.
Growth Coordinators from Fourteen Countries of Asia Pacific are participating.
The Meet will end on 17 September.
