Leadership with foresight

Some school conflicts are internal problems and we have faced such problems. So we looked at it from the perspective of the students. We managed to find a solution, and in doing so we understood that there is always a choice. You need to solve the problem so it won’t result in another dozen problems. There is a solution to every problem

Head Boy of Prince of Wales Moratuwa Dinura de Silva respects the truth. This combined with his self- belief has made him a role model to anyone. Perfect Prefects features de Silva who believes that honesty is truly the best policy.

Lies are the root of so much suffering. You see that amongst individuals, in society and internationally. Dishonesty is the root of so much suffering. When one realizes this, then one can guard against actions that will result in them having to lie and be dishonest.

“I am someone who does not like deceit. I do not like tricksters. I do not like being fooled and I do not like people fooling others. Lies and falsehood are two things that cause conflict between individuals, different factions in society and between countries. If we could learn to speak the truth then that will solve a lot of problems that we are experiencing in the world right now,” explained de Silva.

Life is not a bed of roses. Problems will always come to you.

Emotional control

“My message to anyone is that you cannot prevent problems coming to you. But you can control your reaction. This fact can really help you in life. Do not lose control emotionally. There is a solution to your problem. The answers to the thorn in your side are inside of you and you can overcome anything that is causing you pain. You just need to believe in yourself and the pain will go away,” pointed out de Silva.

De Silva has given number one priority to his school. The position of Head Prefect has been bestowed upon him due to his character and achievements on the field of sport.

“Every society in the world faces problems. This is why Leadership is so important. The leader should have vision and foresight. He or she should be able to formulate and set goals. The secret of my success is that I have loved my school and put my school before myself. All things have been added unto me because of that. One of the fruits of my labour is my learning of the art of Leadership. Because of this, I have acquired discernment. Now I am a Head Prefect having gone through the leadership hierarchy of my school. I have learnt to work with others and work as a team” said de Silva.

Having an effective body of Prefects is not only there to instil discipline. There must be prefects who have an ear when boys need advice.

Showing emotion

“In a boys’ school, you get a lot of physical conflicts. So as Head Prefect I need to look at every facet of the problem. This again calls for discernment. The best I can do for them is to convince them that they can come to a Prefect and receive advice as to what to do. Talking to someone about what is happening to and showing emotion is okay. It is seeking advice as to how to deal with one’s feelings, which will help in the long run, because when you leave school and join the workforce and become a member of society, those lessons will be of use,” added de Silva.

De Silva has been mentored by other Head Prefects who have come before him. They have had an ear for him.

“I think endurance and patience are important in a leader and in any sphere of society. You need to be farsighted. Being able to make a couple of friends in many stations in society will come in handy. Being able to work with different people in society will actually make you very savvy,” said de Silva

De Silva is grateful to his school for where he is today. It is celebrating its 142nd year. It was founded by Charles Henry De Soysa in 1876, and it has produced many eminent people in society.

Sporty future

“When it comes to world leaders I admire Barack Obama. He shattered the notion that an African American could not be President of America, and that America was not ready for an African American president. He has really brought American society forwards,” stated de Silva.

De Silva has excelled on the field. He is an expert basketball and handball player.

“I am a sports fan and I play basketball and handball. I think there is a future for me through sport. I would also like to represent Sri Lanka and bring in a medal for Sri Lanka. That is my dream. I want to bring glory to Sri Lanka by shining as a competitor. I was captain of Basketball – under 13, 15, 17 and 19. We became Zonal runners-up in Under 17 & 19. Then in Grade 9, I did Handball. In 2016 I represented Sri Lanka in Handball at the under 20 Malaysian tour. I think Handball and Basketball helped me to become the Head Prefect,” said de Silva.

De Silva says that the biggest problem in Sri Lanka is the garbage problem. Everyone remembers Meethotamulla.

“Also if we can bring up Sri Lanka to the standard of Singapore and Malaysia then that would be an excellent target and aim for young people. If we could be of assistance in that aspect and show our solidarity as the youth, then that would really take Sri Lanka forward. Even at the school level, we are taught to be mindful of our environment. We recently had a program where we managed and practised proper waste disposal. We basically made our environment cleaner collecting polythene and dispensing with it. Our country is beautiful and let’s keep it that way,” declares de Silva.

Young age

De Silva has faced a terrible situation where his home burnt down at a very young age. He knows difficulty having had to live with various relatives. That was a huge problem he faced because it was extremely upsetting for a child. But it was something he recovered from. He was able to bounce back.

“Some school conflicts are internal problems and we have faced such problems. So we looked at it from the perspective of the students. We managed to find a solution, and in doing so we understood that there is always a choice. You need to solve the problem so it won’t result in another dozen problems. There is a solution to every problem,” said de Silva.

All your school textbooks are actually of great importance. If you take those lessons with your teachers, you only realize how important they were when you look back at them 10 years from now. That is when you regret not giving attention to your lessons during your O/Ls and A/Ls.

“Knowledge is priceless and knowledge is power. Without knowledge how can you survive in society? That is the number one need in a person’s life. You also need a balance between intelligence and courage. This is why the light of education is so important. No matter how strong or courageous you are you need to have the knowledge,” said de Silva.

All men are created equal but all men are not good for your company.

“Life should be experienced. This is not to say that you should do drugs. Drugs are a huge NO. You need to experience that which will benefit you and your loved ones. Steer away from bad company. Choose your friends wisely,” said de Silva.