AREAS OF FOCUS FOR THE PERIOD OF REVIEW: Promotions Commemoration Youth Society Environment Children

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Voice of SUNFO E-News Letter

1 4 - I S S U E 1 A P R - M A Y - J U N E . 2 0 1 2

Our Duty towards the Society

Sri Lanka - United Nations Friendship Association (SUNFO) is releasing its Apr to Jun, 2012 e-news release with an emphasis on reaching the target audience with the latest activities, plans, projects and a theme to follow with illustrative news items for the benefit of all the stake holders and many followers to come. Membership drive, MDG and GYSD will be the focus to promote youth centered activities identifying potential leaders to serve the society at large. Several events were held as part of planned activities scheduled for year 2012 mainly focusing on activities for children, youth, women, environment, water, food and agriculture. Significantly several micro projects launched by the SUNFO youth should be commended serving the community on dengue eradication, adolescence, home gardening, tree planting, entrepreneurship, leadership, health & sanitation, hygiene etc.

INSIDE THIS ISSUE:

SUNFO AGM & Anniversary 2

SUNFO House in a serene environment with plans for further develop-

Global Youth Service Day - Sri Lanka Jawaya Social Star

SUNFO Promotions @ Construction Expo International Exhibition & Symposium - 2012

Hon. Wimal Weerawansa MP, Minister of Engineering, Construction, Housing and Common Amenities was the Chief Guest at the opening Ceremony held on 29 June, 2012. General Public, many distinguished International and State Guests including Western Provincial Minster Hon. Udaya Gammanpila MPC visited the SUNFO Stall. UN Agencies namely UNFPA, ILO, World Bank, UNHABITAT, IMO, UNICEF, UNDP, FAO, UNIC cooperated with SUNFO to organize the stall. Mr. Mahanama Jayamanna (Chairman-Exhibition Organizing Committee), Dr. Rohan Karunarathna (President -The Ceylon Institute of Builders) willingly supported setting up the SUNFO stall on all 3 days during the International exhibition held on June 29, 30 & July 01) Ms. SD Wickramanayake, Mr. Obinamuni Gamini de Silva, Ms. Ranmali Gunawardena & Mr. WS Sandun Ineshka were members of our Official Organizing Team . SUNFO team was assisted by Mr. Upali Gunawardena, Ms. Leslin Cooray, Ms. Padma Colonne, Mr. Bandula Colonne, Mr. Pitiyage Jayasena, Mr Peter C Perera, Mr. Gihan, Mas. Yasith Gunawardena, Mas. MA Nuwantha Sanjula and Mas. K Dushan Sanjeewa Wijerathne

Rio+ 20 Summit

India Children

Volunteerism

Global Citizens Youth Assembly

Membership

Global Perceptiveness in Greece Inspired by the Nine Muses

SPCDC - Karandeniya

International Programs

A Tribute

An Appreciation

"The non-governmental organization "Global Perceptiveness" , the official SUNFO partner in Greece, participated via its department "Children and Adolescents Creativity" in the most important global youth volunteer initiative in April 20-22, 2012. Sixteen young people, aged 12 to 20 years, trained in the Method of Global Perceptiveness, created a cultural performance entitled (or by the title) The Nine Muses Time-travelers bearing the gift of Civilization to show to all the children of the world that you cannot improve your soul with money but with the right ideals. They travelled back in time (they dived into time) to Ancient Greece, to meet the Nine Muses, those who inspired Arts and Civilization to Ancient Greeks. Guided by the great poet Aeschylus, they asked the Muses to send their messages of hope, unity and love to all the children of the world! The cultural performance of the young people of Global Perceptiveness was distinguished for its originality. It was held in the Archaeological site of Eleusis.

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AGM & Anniversary - 2012

A colorful ceremony was held at the National Museum Auditorium, Colombo 7 on May 27,2012. Dr. Deshapriya S Wijetunge, Director General, Mr. Gamini de Silva, Secretary Genera, Ms. SA Zainab, Treasurer spoke and presented reports for the preceding year. Following Official appointments were ratified. Patron: The Speaker of the Parliament. Vice Patrons: Prof. MTM Furkahn, Deshamanya Dr. Lalith B Kotalawala, Prof. Ms. Thilokasundari Kariyawasam President: Prof. Lakshman Madurasinghe Vice President: Ven. Pelpola Vipassi Thero Director General: Dr. Deshapriya S Wijetunge Secretary General : Mr. Obinamuni Gamini de Silva Treasurer: Ms. SA Zain Board of Directors: Adv. CPC Hernnado, Prof. WS Fernando, Ms. SD Wickramanayake, Ms. Manel Illapperuma, Ms. Janaki Amarasinghe & Mr. SNMM Nowfal Board of Trustees: Mr. Victor Ranasinghe (Chairman) Rev. Fr. Derrick Mendis SJ, Mr. Devanayagam Eassuwaran Advisors: Dr. Hasitha Chandrasekera, Engr. Kamal Karunanayake, Mr. Rohitha Kaluarachchi, Ms. Lalitha Srimathee Ranatunge, Ms. Padma Colonne, Eng. Patrick Jayewardene, Mr. Patrick Amarasinghe. Project Directors: Jeewanashuri Ranmali Gunawardena, Mr. SAA Jayawardena, Mr. M Nuffly Mohamed Naseer, Mr. Asanka Sumanarathna, Dr. NC Kumarasinghe, Mr. KLW Janaka Ranjana, S Liyanage, Ms. Lamahewa Sudharma Waththaladeniya, Mr. Peter Perera, Major Lasath Fernnado, Dr. PADN Pannipitiya, Ms. Leslin Cooray SUNFO Youth Congress: Chief Coordinator: Mr. WS Sandun Ineshka Coordinators: Mr. H Mahesh Nishshanka & Mr. H Mohamed Jawahir SUNFO Citizens Congress: Chief Coordinator: Major Lasath Fernando Coordinators: Mr. Peter C Perera, Ms.Lamahewa Sudharma Waththaladeniya SUNFO Children Congress: Chief Coordinator: Mas. Ahamed Sabith Nafis Coordinators: Mas. Ahamed Eesa Faiz , Mas. M Jaffardeen Mohamed, Rukmanul Hakeem. At this Anniversary two authors were honored by SUNFO. They are Mr. Kolamaderiye Piyasene Perera (Book title: Nihanda Mejhewara ) and Dr. Susitha Ruwan (Book title: Rawana Meheuma) Advisory Committee of SUNFO Southern Province Child Development Center headed by Rev. Magala North Vigayaghana Thero was declared. 15 distinguished members were honored by presenting Silk Route Award of Global Citizens for Sustainable Development. Attractive cultural items were presented by Cultural Coordinator of SUNFO Youth Congress Manchanayake Dancing Academy, Child Skill Development Program, Way to Comfort Youth Team and SUNFO Southern Province Child Development Center.

Solidarity of Youth in Happiness visiting Greece

Global Youth Service Day is the largest service event in the world, and the only day of service dedicated to children and youth

Global Youth Service Day - Sri Lanka topped Asia & Pacific
Global Youth Service Day (GYSD) is an annual campaign that celebrates and mobilizes the millions of children and youth who improve their communities each day of the year through service and servicelearning. Established in 1988, Global Youth Service Day is the largest service event in the world, and the only day of service dedicated to children and youth. GYSD is celebrated each year world-wide. GYSD for 2012 was held on April 20-22. SUNFO has been serving as the National Lead Agency of Sri Lanka for Global Youth Service Day (GYSD) since 2005. This year SUNFO was selected as a PARTNER ORGANIZATION OF GYSD IN ASIA & PACIFIC REGION by Head quarters YSA - GYSD. As a Regional Partner SUNFO officially declared GYSD-2012 at the South Asian Peace Youth Camp (SAPYC) on 20 December 2011 with the distinguished presence of diplomats representing India and Pakistan, Dr. Subba Rao, Director-National Youth Project of Gandhi Peace Foundation, Dr. Deshapriya S Wijetunge and several other distinguished Guests. About 350 youth delegates and VIPs across South Asia attended the SAPYC opening ceremony. Asia Pacific GYSD inaugural Ceremony and first training program was organized full day at National Museum Auditorium, Colombo on 21 January. SUNFO initiated GYSD promotional activities in Sri Lanka and with several other countries too. Sri Lanka is credited as the country that organized the largest number of GYSD projects in the Asia Pacific region and came 3rd in the world. First USA (4467 projects), second Kyrgyzstan (162 projects), third Sri Lanka (157 Projects) , fourth Brazil( 102 projects), fifth Hungary (91 projects) and sixth India (62 projects). April 26-28 , next year has been declared as GYSD2013. Youths-Students , age 5 to 25 are welcome to plan and initiate projects for GYSD - 2013 with the guidance of SUNFO.

Innovative Reality Show in action

JAWAYA Social Star

This is an innovative reality Show to recognize Youths who are carrying out Social Development Projects with SANASA Development Bank -Javaya Youth accounts. This program was launched on 05 April, 2012 at a ceremony held at Sambuddha Jayanthi Hall, Colombo 5 with the participation of Hon. Dalas AlapperumaMinster of Youth and Vocational Development as the Chief Guest. Dr. PA Kiriwandeniya, Leader of Sanasa Movement. Ms. Muditha Samadani Kiriwandeniya, Chairperson of Sanasa Development Bank also addressed this event. Applications for this competition could be collected from National Youth Council Offices or Sanasa Development Bank branches island-wide. District, Provincial and National Level winners are selected and First Prize of Rs 1 Million in Cash and a Van worth over 4 Million will be awarded. Closing date for applications is 31 July, 2012. Youth Groups comprising of 10 Members from age group 18-35 are eligible to apply. Social Star National Advisory Committee: Dr. PA Kiriwandeniya CLMSUNFO, Prof. Ajith de Alwis, Dr. Deshapriya S Wijetunge FCLMSUNFO, Dr. Harsishchandra Yakandawala, Dr.Kapila Sooriyaarachchi, Mr. Pubudu Samarasekera, Mr. Mahinda Kumara Dalupotha, Mr. Anurudda Pradeep, Mr. Renton de Alwis and Mr. Patrick Amarasinghe FCLMSUNFO.

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Rio+20 Summit
Over nine days from 13 to 22 June, 2012, thousands of events were held in the leadThe Earth up to and during Rio+20, the UN Conference on SustainWalk, able Development, throughA Walk in out Rio de Janeiro, including more than 500 official and Life side events held at the Riocentro Convention Center, where the conference was held. Rio+20 was the biggest UN conference ever held, with broad participation of leaders from Government, business and civil society, as well as UN officials, academics, journalists and the general public. Below are some key figures from Rio+20. Commitments More than $513 billion mobilized in commitments for sustainable development, including in the areas of energy, transport, green economy, disaster reduction, desertification, water, forests and agriculture. 692 voluntary commitments for sustainable development registered by governments, business, civil society groups, universities and others. Over 100 Governments represented at the Head of State level; participants included 57 Heads of State, 8 Vice-Presidents, 31 Heads of Government and 9 Deputy Prime Ministers. Additionally, 487 Ministers attended. SUNFO supported RIO+20 events in Sri Lanka and other countries such as RIO+20 Training workshop at SUNFO Moratuwa, Earth Walk-Colombo, Earth Song at Royal College Activity Center, Colombo and Earth Walk- Kolkata, India.

The United Nations Conference on Sustainable Development (UNCSD) was organized in pursuance of General Assembly Resolution 64/236 (A/ RES/64/236), and took place in Brazil on 20-22 June 2012 to mark the 20th anniversary of the 1992 United Nations Conference held on Environment and Development (UNCED), in Rio de Janeiro, and the 10th anniversary of the 2002 World Summit on Sustainable Development (WSSD) in Johannesburg.

Be a Guest of a local child in India to witness the cultural bonanza offered in a

participants from other places, other states and other nations. And so it becomes unique with 500 hosts and 500 guests! The result being a wonderful mosaic of unity in diversity. SUNFO has been invited by NYP to join in this festival with a team of children of 8 to 12 year age group. Boarding lodging will be arranged by the organizers free of any charge.

India Children Festival

The charter of the UNESCO has a profound message: War begins in the minds of men and hence the defence of peace must be constructed in the minds of men. Any person with a little psychological understanding will agree that the childs mind is the best field to receive the message of peace defense. Hence the future happiness of the world requires that all countries must pay attention to creating international and intra-national harmonious atmosphere; and it can be very easily achieved through the children by inculcating this spirit in their tender hearts. With this in view, National Youth Project is organizing CHILDREN FESTIVAL, for children of 8 to 12 year age group, regularly as an annual feature under the direction of octogenarian Gandhian Dr. S. N. Subba Rao ji. This year CHILDREN FESTIVAL will be held at Bikaner in Rajasthan state from 23 to 28 November 2012. Besides other activities during the festival, participants present folk dances of their land and thus it becomes a cultural bonanza. The beauty and uniqueness of our CHILDREN FESTIVAL are that every child coming for the Festival will be a guest of a local child. So, if the Festival is for 1,000 children, 500 of them will be

harmonious Indian atmosphere

Volunteerism Experienced in Maldives

I am an undergraduate of Institute of Java and Technological Studies and Supportive Fellow Life Member of Sri Lanka- United Nations Friendship Organization (SUNFO). After participating in the 2011 South Asian Peace Youth Camp (SAPYC), Negombo, I got an invitation for volunteering in Maldives by a Maldivian delegate named Aishath Afaaf, who represented the Maldives NGO Federation in SAPYC 2011 organized by SUNFO & NYP. As I was able to travel in March, I applied and got selected to go to Maldives as a Volunteer Coordinator for three months. I was in Maldives from March 24th to June 12th,2012. Maldives has a strong NGO presence in their country. I was appointed in a NGO named Naifaru Juvenile to coordinate their projects, and basically I worked in implementing their IT project, which was funded by the US Embassy in Colombo. They were developing an IT scheme with equipment and facilities, and needed an IT professional to execute their project. When I worked there, I designed a course module for Kids, and got an affiliation from a Maldivian College named Mandhu College for my course module. I also worked in some of their conservation programs too and was so exultant when I got a chance to release their turtles into the ocean. I was also involved in their environmental field projects. During weekends, my organization took me on snorkeling trips, picnics, and fishing trips. I met some interesting volunteers here during my stint in Maldives. There was a Volunteer from India, Geeta Vishwanathan a Marine biologist, who educated me a lot about conservation. There was another volunteer from USA named Julie Garner, a teaching student of Clemson University with us. In these three months I learned a lot about project planning and project management with Naifaru Juvenile. This was an amazing opportunity for me to learn about Maldivian Culture. And as I volunteered with volunteers from USA, I learned a lot about American culture too. I really enjoyed my time here in Maldives, and before I returned to Sri Lanka the locals gave me a lot of gifts. As I say The best way to find your self is to lose yourself in the service of others, I understood my talents and skills when I was volunteered in Maldives. I would like to thank Allah for giving me such an amazing opportunity to volunteer in Maldives, Aishaath Afaaf, all Naifaru Juvenile Staffs and members who cooperated with me the whole three months. Special thanks to Julie Garner who taught me a lot about cultures and people.
(By M. Malhardeen SFSUNFO -Sectional Head of International Development 2012/13 SUNFO YOUTH CONGRESS.)

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Global Citizens' Ambassador (GCA)

Highlights of the Assembly Global Citizens' Ambassador (GCA) - Young Leaders will be acknowledged for their outstanding work to bring change in the society Social Impact Awards 2012 (SIA) - College students from all over India have an opportunity to win a Seed grants to execute a social and community projects in their respective cities. International and National Cultural Performance Workshops and Sessions on the theme of: 1. Educate to Empower 2. Leadership and Empowerment (for youth and women) 3. Adequate Housing 4. Community Development and Livelihood Interested SUNFO Members to attend above International Programs please contact Director General [email protected]

Creating Exemplary Leaders in a world of Infinite Possibilities - Prof. L Madurasinghe

SUNFO Members Corner

A Big Welcome to our New Members joining the family of SUNFO

Serve SUNFO as a distinguished member and Serve the Society

Supportive Fellow (Life) - Silver: Mr. Asanka Sumanarathna SSFSUNFO

(Upgraded from SF Life to Silver Supportive Fellow on 22 May 2012)

Associate Members: Citizens: Ms. S Renuka Sriyangi Jayasinghe, Mr. Nishan Fernnado Youth: Ms. Gnei Maas Careema Weerabangsa, Miss GW Lakshmi Renuka Gorroggahawatta, Miss KP Umesha Madhumali, Miss YK Dilini Tharanga Sandamali Children: Mas. JAD Anton Romesh Chamika Jayathilake, Mas. Ahamed Sabith Nafis, Mas. M Jaffardeen, Mohamed Rukmanul Hakeem, Mas. Ahamed

Supportive Fellow (Life): Mr. Mohamed Hussain Asfak SFSUNFO, Janamanya Vibuthirathne Pitiyage Jayasena JP SFSUNFO

Eesa Faiz, Mas. A Dinesh Chathurange, Miss Hiruni Madushani Wanniarachchi, Miss Nimna Anjale de Silva, Miss B Minnomi Minnika Fernando, Mas. DM Navindu Tharaka Bandara, Mas. K Dushan Sanjeewa Wijerathne, Mas. MA Nuwantha Sanjula

Our Children @ SPCDC

Their Future is yours, Let us Serve
Southern Province Child Development Centre (SPCDC) located at Karandeniya has 19 inmates, who are female children of our migrant workers employed in Middle Eastern countries. Newly appointed SUNFO officials visited SPCDC on two occasions on a weekend to spend the day to keep them occupied identifying basic needs, improvements to the environment and future plans. Based on the inputs received an action plan has been formulated to take the SPCDC to the next level with more facilities and care to maintain the uniqueness of the one and only centre looking after children of migrant workers earning valuable foreign exchange for the country but being away from the loved ones seeking better a life.

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Calling for Applications International Programs

Youth International Workshop 2012: Health And Environment in Malaysia This event will provide young people with an opportunity to learn about effective ways to manage the impacts of human activities on the environmental health. Dates: 26th to 29th November 2012 This 4 day Workshop aims to be the first in a bi -annual series of workshops to create more awareness on the various current and emerging environmental issues affecting the lives of people, especially youth, and the world we live in. The Workshop will seek to educate and empower young people on how to adapt and manage the exposure and impacts of climate change, environmental pollution and the loss of natural resources through capacity building. The objectives of this Health And Environment Workshop are:

Through lectures, interactive sessions and the exploration of case studies participants will develop a high level understanding of: issues on health and environment; To present participants healthy lifestyle choices; with more

Application Criteria:

Young people between the ages of 18 30 (however some flexibility will be exercised as the definition of youth varies from country to country); Have a good understanding of the theme and the relevant policies in their respective countries; Proficient in English and able to do presentations in English, is a must;

Enable peer-to-peer learning and allow participants to explore issues from their local context with international colleagues; Build new networks and develop youth based initiatives; To enable participants to plan appropriate action programs on health and sustainability for themselves and their FOUNDATIONs and communities. Topics to include: 1. Climate Change and its impact on Population and Health 2. Lifestyle and Health 3. Biodiversity and Youth 4. Disasters and Impacts 5. Nutrition and Health

Possess good communication and interpersonal skills, and the ability to solve problems through adaptability and flexibility; Motivated to improve the lives of others through their actions and work;

Capable and willing to share experiences and resources with others in the community and contribute to the Youth Be Aware Workshop 2012: Health And Environment follow-up process; Willing and being able to participate actively for the whole duration of the project; Must be able to execute a follow-up within 6 months of the Workshop in the respective organizations/community etc.; Geographical and gender balance will be respected.

To create more awareness among participating youth on current and emerging health and environmental issues;

* May he attain Nirvana - The Late Mr. Shanthi Rathnayake SFSUNFO

The Late Mr. Shanthi Rathnayake was a Supportive Fellow Life Member of SUNFO and served as an Advisor of SUNFO. He was a Sociologist and a product of University of Peradeniya. He had wide experience both locally and internationally in community development, child welfare, youth empowerment and social services. Served in numerous organizations and projects including, CCF Sri Lanka, CCF Canada, Ministry of Economic Development etc. He actively led several SUNFO programs including Stand Up-Speak Out, Stand Up-Take Action World Guinness Records with GCAP & UNMC, Human Rights Marathon in Kandy, Child & Youth Parliament and SUNFO Vendenheim Center at Moratuwa. Further he served as MDG & Poverty Advisor of GCAP Sri Lanka network hosted by SUNFO. He won several Awards including the United Nations Youth Day Award in 2005, Stand Up World Second Highest Percentage Peoples participation Award in 2007. His untimely death is a great lost to SUNFO as well as our country. May he attain Nirwana. A special remembrance event in memory of Mr. Shanthi Rathnayake will be organized at SUNFO-Vendenheim Center , Moratuwa on September 30 (Sunday) 2012 at 2.30 PM. All are invited.

Prof. WS Fernando FCLMSUNFO - President, SUNFO - Honoured

Professor W S Fernando, Emeritus Professor of the University of Sri Jayewardenepura the Visiting Professor of Chemistry of the University of Ruhuna, received the Distinguished Service Award 2012; for the yeoman service rendered towards the activities of the institute in an honorary capacity and in an exemplary manner. He is a Founder Corporate Life Member of SUNFO and serving as a Board Director since 1999. Professor W S Fernando obtained BSc. Hon. in Chemistry from the University of Ceylon (1967) and PhD in Chemistry from the University of Leicester UK (1972). Since then he has continued his career in teaching as a lecturer, Senior Lecturer, Associate Professor, Professor and Senior Professor to the date of his retirement (2010-Feb). In addition to his academic work , Prof. Fernando was also involved in the administration work in the University. He was the Head, Department of Chemistry (1990 1998) , Dean Faculty of Applied sciences (1998 2004 ), the first Deputy Vice Chancellor (Student Affairs) and also served as the Acting Vice Chancellor on several occasions. Considering his dedicated service to the university as a whole , University honored him with the Professor Emeritus status on 2012- February 2012. He joined the Institute of Chemistry as a visiting lecturer in 1984 and has continued his service as a lecturer in Physical, Inorganic Chemistry and Mathematics courses since then. He served as a member of the council for eight consecutive years, member of the academic board, Chairman of Royal Society of Chemistry (Sri Lanka) and was also the President of the Institute of Chemistry (2002/2003).

SRI LANKA-UNITED NATIONS FRIENDSHIP ORGANISATION (SUNFO) SUNFO Vendenheim Center, 20, Maha Vihara Road, Lakshapathiya, Moratuwa, Sri Lanka. Tel/Fax: 011 2611149 Email: [email protected] Web: www.sunfosrilanka.org Face book: https://www.facebook.com/sunfo.srilanka Twitter: https://twitter.com/SUNFOsrilanka

http://www.sunfosrilanka.org/

Challenge, Challenges - We Serve

Year 2012 will be a challenging year for SUNFO leading the way with ambitious projects, programs, events and future plans. Till we meet again with the next release of Voice of SUNFO. We at the editorial staff would like to receive your comments, observations, suggestions to improve so that we reach all our followers and others who will want to follow the following SUNFO in performing the sacred duty of serving the society in difficult situations with the needy at the need of the hour.

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