Sri Lanka Scout Association, Colombo District Branch AGM | Sunday Observer

Sri Lanka Scout Association, Colombo District Branch AGM

22 April, 2018

The 104th Annual General Meeting of the Sri Lanka Scout Association, Colombo District Branch was held at the Main Hall of Royal College, Colombo 7. The Chief Guest for the event was Sarath Jayamanne, President’s Counsel & Director General of the Commission to investigate allegations of Bribery or Corruption in Sri Lanka. He was warmly welcomed by Janaprith Fernando, Committee Member World organization of the Scout Movement, Deputy Chief Commissioner of SLSA and Honorary District Commissioner of Colombo District, Suren Wikkramatilleke District Commissioner, Sukumar Rockwood Chairman of the executive Committee of Colombo District, Assistant District Commissioners, members of the Executive Committee, life members, parents and Scouts.

Sarath Jayamanne in his speech mentioned that corruption sprouts from us as ordinary citizens who may violate a simple regulation in a fish shop by giving a personal tip to an employee rather than putting the tip in the donation box which would be equally distributed to all employees. We as citizens to receive a better, personalised service would be initiating the corruption.

He encouraged the audience to think deeply within where we violate such simple day to day instances which fuels acceptance of corruption in our society. He directed the audience attention to the children who accompany on such visits to the fish shop and is watching his/her parents engagement. Thus, the child accepts such violations are tolerated. So as adults we are giving a wrong message to the next generation.

Mr. Jayamanne quoted from Dhamma and Christian Scriptures and also from Polonnaruwa history to world history using examples such as Michael Angelo, Leonardo Da Vinci and recent history maker Steve Jobs. His message to all present was that anything gained through violations, bribery or corruption only perishes man physically, mentally and spiritually which has an automatic impact to society and nation at large.

His brilliant message was well accepted by all who were present and is a firm foundation for the Colombo District Scout Association to build their values and strategies for the future.

Janaprith Fernando, Deputy Chief Commissioner Sri Lanka and member of the World Scout Committee addressing the gathering spoke of the steps taken by Sri Lanka Scouts to inculcate good values in the membership of Sri Lanka which is 60,000.

He said that the Scout movement which was started with 20 boys by Lord Baden Powell in 1907 has a membership of 52 million Scouts in over 200 countries and territories. He said that the movement has created girls and boys with better values, leadership qualities, team players and all-rounders and has an alumni of over 600 million in the past 110 years.

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