SLMUN: The 13th session concludes
View(s):Sri Lanka Model United Nations (SLMUN) 2020, Asia’s largest student-run simulation of the UN, was held over the 12th and 13th of September with its own distinctive twist, under the theme ‘A world of conflict’. With over 500 delegates taking part, the conference was conducted virtually via Microsoft Teams.
The Opening Ceremony took place at 8.30 a.m. on the 12th of September. The Chief Guest for the day was Dr Harsha Alles. The proceedings began with the traditional lighting of the oil lamp and the singing of the National Anthem. The ceremony drew to a close with the appointing of the Secretary-General for the year 2020, Seth Ganepola after which he declared session officially open.
The rest of the weekend was a blur of faces on screens, as the delegates tuned in from home to discuss and debate their relevant committees’ topics. Despite of a few technical difficulties, each committee was filled with fruitful discussion as the delegates competed as well as collaborated to come up with the best solutions.
The conference concluded with the Awards Ceremony held at 4.30 p.m. on the 13th of September, where the most noteworthy delegates of the conference were recognized for their efforts. Following the Vote of Thanks given by the Under-Secretary Generals Kalindu Kalinga and Tharusha Fernando, the 13th session of SLMUN was adjourned by the Secretary-General.
SLMUN 2020 presented not only the delegates but also the Executive Committee with unprecedented challenges. Organizing an online MUN conference and conducting committee session virtually was not an easy task and required a Herculean effort from all parties involved to overcome. This endeavour would not have been possible if not for the unwavering commitment and perseverance of some key individuals:
First and foremost, our Charge’d Affairs, Mr Rohan Ellawala. With over 16 years of MUN under his belt, it was he who pioneered SLMUN, and to this day, is the driving force that made our conference a success.
Our main sponsors, CHEC Port City Colombo and Vantage, for the tremendous support they gave for our conference this year.
The Gateway Group for providing us with the facilities to conduct the conference via MS Teams as well as providing us with the venue to host our Main Workshop. Practice Debates and conference.
Our Print Media Partner, Wijeya Newspapers Ltd., for providing us with print media coverage for all these months.
Mr George Cooke who took the time out of his busy schedule to sit down for an interview and share with us his valuable insights on diplomacy.
The Executive Committee, led by our Secretary-General Seth Ganepola, who worked tirelessly to make this conference a success.
The Administrative Staff who made sure the conference ran smoothly and efficiently.
The principals and faculty advisors of all the schools who took part for their cooperation.
Our parents for understanding and for supporting us through our entire journey.
Last but not least, we extend our gratitude to our passionate delegates for dedicating their time and energy to attend conference during these challenging times.
SLMUN 2020 was undoubtedly a unique experience to everyone involved.
The world we live in is ever-changing and each day presents us with newer and harder obstacles to overcome. However, we hope that our delegates benefited from what they learned at conference this year and that the knowledge they gained will help them as they learn to navigate through their own “world of conflict”.
This is the Executive Committee of SLMUN 2020 officially signing off!