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Past News

National Council of the YMCAs of Sri Lanka


Youth Meet in Colombo to Plan the Future Youth for Change
				An impressive youth gathering organized by the Sri Lanka YMCA was held from 18th to 22nd November at the YMCA International Hotel, Kurana. Titled “Youth for Change” the event was organized with the joint participation of youth from Norway. The programme started on the 18th morning with drummers & dancers greeting the guests with traditional Kandyan Dance. The Youth Committee Chairman Mr. S. Thoumiyan in his welcome speech said that Sri Lanka YMCA has already started its initiatives in peace building and reconciliation process mobilizing youth.
Negombo YMCA President Dr. K. Sri Ranjan participated as the chief guest. National YWCA President Mrs. Manel Nanayakara graced the occasion with other special guests. President of the National Council of the YMCAs of Sri Lanka Mr. Aruna Shantha Nonis addressing the gathering said the world is in great need of significant changes and the youth of today has to set off the process.
	“To succeed they have to devise initiatives relevant to their communities”, he added. After the inauguration ceremony class room sessions and practical workshops were conducted covering following subjects areas:

		a) The History of Conflict; “What went wrong?” b) YMCA’s involvements in reconciliation; “Sharing Experiences” c) Promoting Human Rights; “Justice and Governance would Ensure Equality & Peace” d) Reality in the post-war scenario and the need of the hour e) Understanding and working with youth and children living in conflicts

f) “Art for Peace”: Introduction (30 minutes) Workshops on Drama, Music and paintings g) Understanding our Strengths/Opportunities and identify our interventions for Peace & Reconciliation” h) Planning and designing programmes i) “Sports bring people together” Introduction, Playing & Reflection j) Introduction to the concept “Internationally Committed Youth” (ICY) The main objective of this gathering was to mobilize and educate young people to be involved in the peace building and reconciliation initiatives by using their talents / skills within the YMCA environment.

90 young people from all parts of the country (including Jaffna) represented YMCA, YWCA and other ecumenical youth organizations in the gathering. Youth representatives of YMCAs from India, Taiwan, Thailand, Philippines, Italy and Norway participated and helped in to make it a successful event.

NCY President Visits Eastern YMCAs
President of the National Council of the YMCAs of Sri Lanka Mr. Aruna Shantha Nonis recently went on a tour around the Eastern region visiting all YMCAs to find out the ground situation; the constraints and difficulties that challenge the progress. He held wide ranging discussions with board members. A report on his findings is to be tabled at the National Council Executive Committee meeting. Deputy National General Secretary Mr. S. Vijeyakulasingam accompanied Mr. Nonis in this tour.


	Traincomalee: To mark its 30 years service in the area EHED-Caritas conducted a Regional Cricket Tournament in Trincomalee in which several clubs and groups participated. At the final rounds Trincomalee YMCA emerged champions. The captain Thiruvarul Chelvam received the Trophy at a ceremony held at the Trincomalee YMCA. NCY President and Trinco YMCA board members participated at the ceremony. One time NCY President Mr. Jeyanandan graced the occasion.

	Akkaraipattu: First photo shows a trainee trying to give life to a broken fridge at the Vocational Training Centre. 2nd photo was taken at the entrance to the new building with YMCA President Rev. Fr. A. Jesudasan, Hony Secretary Mr. P. Fabian Delima, board members and staff along with Mr. Nonis and Mr. Vijeyakulasingam


	Kalmunai: Photo was taken during a formal conversation with Kalmunai YMCA President Mr. K.S. Arulrajah and board members. Deputy National General Secretary Mr. S. Vijeyakulasingam is seated next to Mr. Arulrajah at the centre.


Batticaloa: Mr. Nonis addressed the Batticaloa Board, staff and members at the welcome ceremony. Batticaloa YMCA President Mr. P. Christy Anthony and Gen. Secretary Mr. D.D. David are seen seated in the photo.


	Thuraineelavanai: With Hony. Secretary Mr. K. Packiarajah and board members.


Kallar: Deputy National General Secretary of NCY Mr. Vijeyakulasingam and President of NCY Mr. Aruna Shantha Nonis cut the ribbon and ceremonially opened the building for VTC Computer Class. Second photo shows Kallar YMCA: President Mr. A. Arulpragasam, Gen. Secretary Mr. K. Vivekananthanathan, Treasurer Mr. J.A. Yogarajah, other board members and staff.

Prayer Week
NCY observed World YMCA / YWCA Week of Prayer and World Fellowship on 7th November at St. Margaret’s Convent, Kollupitiya. The theme selected for this year was “striving for global citizenship for all”. Religious leaders and members participated. Mr. Sunil Wanigathunga (Chairman) Christian Discipleship Committee led the devotion.

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