How often does a Sri Lankan youth get to answer a call with “Hi, I’ll call you later, I am breaking a world record!” Not too often to say the least.
However, the 1500 youth who flocked to the University of Colombo grounds on August 12, 2011 to break the record for the Largest Human Mosaic by forming the word ‘YOUTH’ said just that- “I broke a Guinness world record.”
The event which was the brainchild of the Sri Lankan team of British Council’s Global Changemakers, was organized to commemorate the United Nations International Year of Youth and more especially the International Youth Day which fell on August 12, 2011.
“I really wanted to be part of the world record” said Hanim Abdul Cader adding that it was ‘pretty cool’ to take part in such an event.
Apart from the thrill of breaking a world record, the event was special in that it brought together 1500 Sri Lankan youth on a multi-religious and multi-ethnic platform.
Chameera Wijayatathne who was a volunteer at the event also expressed her happiness of the fact that all the youth were able to unite in working towards a common goal. “I gave my best to make the event a reality and I am really happy with the success of the event” she said contentedly.
It was indeed a memorable experience for all those involved. The atmosphere was charged with excitement as helicopters hovered overhead snapping pictures of the mosaic which had been set with the help of an Art Director.
Dr. Geethanjana Mendis who is the coordinator for Guinness World Records in Sri Lanka was also present to confirm the breaking of the record. As the announcement was made that the world record had been broken, the youths exploded into cheering and applause. It was great to be a Sri Lankan; great to be part of a world record.
“We are excited and proud to be Sri Lankans” said Prabani Rathnayake and Himaya Fernando who had made it to the event all the way from Gampaha and Negombo respectively. “It was really good and I am very excited” added Tharindu Withanage.
However, organizing this event meant a lot of hard work and planning. It was no easy task. The five Global Changemakers Sarah Jameel, Lihini Ratwatte, Sulakshana Senanayake, Sikander Shabeer and Mohomed Husni put together the event in just nine days. The event was entirely sponsored. “There were moments when we asked ourselves if it will work out” said Sarah.
Well, it did work out, and very well at that. Looking back it was worth every moment said Sarah adding that it goes to show that by using available resources and networking much can be achieved.
“The event was worked out to empower youth in this country” say the five Global Changemakers who were also of the hope that the event would act as a conversation starter to create a voice for youth.
For them, it was not merely about breaking a world record. They wanted the event to encourage Sri Lankan youth to become involved in solving the issues that face the community and to become responsible Leaders of Tomorrow.
Global Changemakers is a Global British Council Initiative which was founded in 2007. The network which has grown to a community of over 600 Changemakers in 110 countries world-wide is involved in empowering youth to catalyze positive social change. Global Changemakers which is a vibrant community of young activists, volunteers and social entrepreneurs, is at the forefront of running innovative projects in their communities, shaping policy and speaking truth to power through access to institutions and platforms such as the World Economic Forum.
This event was endorsed by the British Council (Sri Lanka), Global Changemakers, UN International Year of Youth, We Are Family Foundation (New York) and the Three Dot Dash Initiative (New York).
The Official Print Media Partner was Wijeya Newspapers. |
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