The
sun has risen for another special day: It was the day, we waited for 2 long
years, it was the day, we prepared ourselves for 1 long year to welcome 240
Youths around the globe and it was the day, we were so excited to see her again
in Sri Lanka. Yes, it was the day the ship Nippon Maru arrived Sri Lanka with
240 youth leaders of 11 different countries of the globe.
On
15th February 2018 at 8.25a.m our second home, Nippon Maru arrived
Colombo as her third resting place. As a SWY Alumni member, it was my first
time to welcome Nippon Maru in Sri Lanka. When I saw the ship which was heading
to Colombo port, I exactly cannot explain how I felt. There are no such words
to explain that feeling even in my mother-tongue. I believe all the Alumni
members were felt the same.
After
the official welcome, it was our time as alumni members to welcome our new
family, SWY30 to Sri Lanka. We welcomed all the PYs onboard warmly and I got an
opportunity to welcome them by delivering a speech in Japanese. It was my
second experience to speak in Japanese in front of such a huge audience after
SWY 28.
During
the free time PYs got a chance to walk around Colombo. Some went to Galle-face
Green and Gangarama temple to see the
beauty of Sri Lanka. And some visited Laksala,
the largest state owned gift, souvenir and handicraft shop, to buy souvenirs. In
the evening, alumni members and volunteers from National Youth Services Council
(NYSC), Maharagama guided PYs to enjoy their free time in Sri Lanka. After the
free time, we all headed back to Nippon Maru and arranged a tea party onboard.
The tea party on 7th floor reminded me the Sri Lankan night that we
organized as the Sri Lankan Delegation for SWY28.
The
2nd day was quite a busy day, because we visited several places with
PYs. In the morning, we all went to the University of Colombo. PYs participated
in several discussion sessions according to their course discussions. I believe
they had a great time at the university and we must appreciate the effort done
by the students, lecturers and officers of University of Colombo to make PYs’
time valuable.Next we headed to “Temple Trees”, the official
residence of the Prime Minister of Sri Lanka. The PYs and ADM had a special invitation
from Prime minister Hon. Ranil Wickramasinghe for a lunch reception at the Temple
Trees. PYs got a chance to meet the Prime Minister
The
Evening session was dedicated for the Institutional visits. The 10 places they
visited are Sri Lanka Women Development Services Cooperation Society Limited,
Thidora Organization, Helpage Center, Ape Gama, Department of Ayurvedha,
Independent Television Network, National Gem and Jewelry Authority, Mithuro
Mithuro, Sri Lanka Federation of Youth Clubs and Sri Lanka Volunteer
Association. I went to Thidora Organization with PYs and this place is for
disable children. They teach those children to develop their talents like
dancing, singing, acting and so on. PYs did several activities with those
children and I witnessed that both PYs and children were satisfied about that
program.
In
the night, SWYAA- Sri Lanka planned and organized a special Sri Lankan night
with the help of NYSC. For PYs, we prepared some games like ‘Mr. & Miss
Nippon Maru’ and ‘the best dancing couple’. It was a late night party and was
really nice to see how PYs enjoyed themselves.
The
3rd day was the day of departure. In the morning, PYs visited NYSC and
we got a chance to see each delegation’s performance on stage. We enjoyed their
amazing performances. I think I must mention about Miss Eriko kurokawa from
SWY28 who is presently working in Sri Lanka as a volunteer. She got a special
chance to perform on stage in front of SWY30, as she is learning Sri Lankan
Traditional dance in Sri Lanka. She danced brilliantly like a Sri Lankan, so
that we all were so surprised and proud of her.
After
the open ship, it was the time to say Good bye to our beloved Nippon Maru. We felt
sad and lonely. We did our part as much as we can for 3 days. But, it was not
enough for all of us. However, we understood that our loving SWY30 family had spent
really a great time in Sri Lanka The reaction to “How was Sri Lanka?” was
unbelievable. We did not expect such a kind appreciation from PYs. It was
really nice to see their satisfied smiles and faces. Their smiles meant a lot for
us.
Finally,
On behalf of all the Alumni members of SWY, I must pay my warmest gratitude to
the Admin of SWY, National Youth Services Council, Embassy of Japan in Sri
Lanka, Sri Lanka Police, University of Colombo, 10 institutions and all the others
who support us to make this event a success. Our special gratitude goes to;
Mr.
Eranda Welianga, Director General/ Chairman - National Youth Services Council
Mr.
Janak Bandaranayake, Senior Culture and Information Specialist, Embassy of
Japan
Mr.
Neelsiri Kathriarachchi, Main Coordinator, National Youth Services Council
Mr.
Shehan Koshila Kannangara, Secretary, National Youth Services Council
Mr.
Buddhika Iddamalgoda, President, SWYAA-Sri Lanka.
Thank
you all and hope to see our beloved Nippon Maru once again in Sri Lanka.
Once
a SWYer is always a SWYer.
Sisimali
Sulochana.
SWY28
Pics by,
Sasitha Lakmal | ANL | SWY28
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