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| Sunday, 4 December 2005 |
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Junior Observer |  |
| News Business Features Editorial
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At S-SAARC : Students become foreign diplomats
In another 10 days, students from the SAARC region will experience a novel concept, thanks to a group of students and an ambitious teacher in Sri Lanka. Ananda College, Colombo has taken the initiative to host the first ever student-run South Asian Association for Regional Co-operation (SAARC), which will take place on December 14 and 15 at the Savusiripaya Auditorium, Colombo. The event known as 'Simulation of SAARC' will have student delegates representing various SAARC member nations addressing specific issues of current interest. Through debates and negotiation, student delegates look forward to resolve regional and international problems. Over 100 students from India and the Maldives, including 20 schools from Sri Lanka will take part in the S-SAARC conference themed 'Epic Venture into the Domain of Strategic International Diplomacy' which will provide them an opportunity of role-playing diplomats involved in decision-making and conflict resolution at SAARC.
According to R. L. Ellawala, teacher-in-charge of S-SAARC, the idea to initiate this novel project struck him, while participating in a similar conference conducted by the Model United Nations in India last year. Along with students of the Model United Nations Association of Ananda College, Mr. Ellawala took the initiative to make Simulation of SAARC a reality. "When we informed students of other SAARC countries about the conference, they were a 'little' reluctant to take part, because this is the first of its kind in Asia. But India and the Maldives have shown a keen interest in the event," says Secretary General S-SAARC, Taamara De Silva. According to Taamara, Sri Lankan schools will represent the absent countries. All participants are required to participate in training workshops that are held prior to the conference. During workshops, students will learn about the organisation and functions of SAARC. They will learn the skills of role-play, making formal and informal speeches, writing, merging and amending resolutions, negotiating and research. These skills are put into practice at mini-debates, which will also help the students to learn about the rules of parliamentary procedure. "It is essential that participants do research on their assigned country and its government," says Taamara, adding that teacher advisors may guide delegates in their research and assist them in formulating a suitable foreign policy. Chief of Operations, Sajith Bandara told the Junior Observer that a special CD will be launched after the event. "We look forward to the use of the technology to give the participants a unique experience. Therefore, we will also be having a live presentation about the event called SAARC TV," Sajith pointed out. "Students will not only learn about the SAARC system, but also find out about economic, social and environmental issues prevailing in today's world. They can learn to resolve these problems through negotiation and compromise. In order to do this they are expected to develop skills of independent research, oratory, resolution writing and collaboration," stresses Director of Public Relations and Information, Kemiya Kodithuwakku. He adds that as students take on the role of international diplomats, they have to put their own views aside, and embrace the foreign policy of the nation, to which they have been assigned. On the final day of the conference, three special awards will be given to the Best Country Profile, Best Delegates from the committee and to the Best Delegate. Director Finance Affairs, Tumal Karunarathne thanked their Principal B. A.Abeyratne, Seylan Bank, The Director General of SAARC Mr. Wijerathne and Mr. Ellawala, teacher-in-charge, for the support rendered to make their effort a success. "We want to make S-SAARC an annual event because taking part in S-SAARC is both hard work and fun!" they echoed. CNK --- S-SAARC 2005 Agenda All countries are represented in the General Assembly and in the following committees: 1st Committee * Protection Against Products Harmful for Health and Environment. * National Strategy on Natural Disaster Management. 2nd Committee * Problems faced by Youth and Women. * Education and Technology Exchange. 3rd Committee * International Migration and Development. * Establishing a Common Currency within South Asia. 4th Committee * Agriculture and Rural Development. * Protecting World Culture in connection with the International Decade of Indigenous People. 5th Committee (Heads of states) * Drug Control and Related Crime Preventing Assistance for the Countries Emerging from Conflict. * Countering Terrorism in the Context of Preserving World Peace. The organisers of S-SAARC invites students interested in participating to contact them on 2 854809, 2 678881/2 681815. |
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