Sri Lanka Scout District Key office Bearers Conference

Lay Member officials (non uniformed) from Branch Associations of Sri Lanka Scout Association participated at the Sri Lanka Scout Key Office Bearers conference  held at the Hilton Hotel in Colombo last week. The Chief Guest was Prof. Kapila C. K. Perera – Secretary, Ministry of Education.  Ms. Visakha Tillekeratne- Chief Commissioner of Sri Lanka Girl Guides Association was the Guest of Honour. 27 Scout Districts of Sri Lanka were represented.

The Chief Commissioner Major General Milinda Peiris delivered the welcome address and stressed on the need for lay officials to work together in harmony for the efficient functioning of the Scout Districts and briefed the gathering on the Strategic Plan for Sri Lanka Scout Association.

Chairman of the World Scout Committee of the World Organisation of the Scout Movement Craig Turpie, addressed the Conference on Zoom from Scotland. He said that Sri Lanka Scouting has made positive progress in the recent period and during the pandemic.

He further said there has to be quality scouting and effective team work. He stressed the need to listen to young people and support them to be the change in order to achieve the goals of the movement.

The Chief Commissioner Girl Guides in her address stressed on the Change Management of the Child. She said Scouts and Girl Guides should work together to bring in young people as there are a large number who could be recruited to both organisations.

Scouting is skills for life, said Chief Guest Prof. Kapila C.K. Perera, a President Scout from Sri Sumangala College in Panadura sharing many of his personal experiences in Scouting and how it helped him in his career. He has sought health clearance to restart scouting after the pandemic, he said, adding there are 4.5 million students in the country and he expects to have scout units in every school with a programme to bring awareness to Principals.

The Deputy Chief Commissioner and World Scout Committee Member Janaprith Fernando proposed the vote of thanks and thanked Mr. Turpie – Chairman World Scout Committee  for addressing on Zoom and appreciated the presence of the Chief Guest, Guest of Honour and all participants from almost all Scout Districts. He requested the assistance of the Education Ministry to achieve their goals in Scouting. Quoting the Founder Lord Baden Powell “The most worthwhile thing in life is to bring happiness to others” he thanked all those involved in the Scout and Guide movement for their commitment and doing what the Founder expected.

The Conference continued with sessions on related subjects by Janaprith Fernando – Deputy Chief Commissioner, Sarath Matararachchi – National Program Commissioner and M. F. S. Muheed – Special Commissioner.