Sri Lanka is Model United Nations - 2015

'From the lens of diplomacy':

The eighth Session of the Sri Lanka Model United Nations (SLMUN) 2015 was held in Colombo from August 14-16, 2015 at the Bandaranaike Memorial International Conference Hall. It was Asia's largest student- run simulation of the United Nations. The conference attracted over 1,000 delegates from around the country and abroad. The opening ceremony was graced by a veteran journalist Kala Keerthi, Wijetunga Karunaratne Edwin Ariyadasa.

SLMUN through the main theme 'Shifting policy paradigms' provided a platform for students to voice their opinions regarding various issues that encompass the globe.

It exercised and cultivated their skills in leadership and diplomacy. It gave the youth the opportunity to be actively involved in discussing and attempting to solve the prevalent crisis around the world.

Under Secretary General of Public Relations, IPC and Support Functions (SLMUN), Afra Faizal said, "SLMUN is a voluntary based club. Our main aim is to help children aged between 14-20 to voice their opinions and stand on their own. We want each and every school to get an opportunity to experience the uniqueness of it. This year for the first time we have organised workshops in Sri Lanka. Youngsters are welcomed to join our club. This year there are students from Bangladesh and India as well."

SLMUN 2015 is full of excitement and entertainment. The Founder and Charge D' Affaires of SLMUN is R.L. Ellawal. The concept of Model United Nations (MUN) is carried islandwide through partnerships with the Ministry of Education, Sri Lanka Youth and UNESCO.

Afifa Tanannum Haque, an AS student of Scholastica College from Bangladesh said, " I am really happy to be a youth participant at the SLMUN. Every year students from our country participate and their comments were so enthusiastic. I hope this conference will help us to cultivate leadership and diplomatic skills. It is great being here in Sri Lanka."

"I am happy to be a delegate at the SLMUN. I think that this conference would be a real challenge to all of us. I am sure that it will provide a transformation and an unforgettable experience for everyone," said Meredith Rodrigo, a Grade 13 student of St. Joseph's College, Colombo.

Sudhekshan, a Grade 9 student of L.I.S Wattala said,"I am a member of the SLMUN club. It is really great to be a participant. I hope that at the end of this conference we will be able to stand for humanity, justice, equality and against all forms of violence."

Compiled by Husna Inayathullah