Head Boy Akindu Perera and Head Girl Minelle De Silva of Colombo South International College are beacons of hope to the youth. Perfect Prefects features these two Head Prefects who illuminate the path for others. ‘Aim for the Stars, If You Fail, You’ll Land on the Moon’ is the perfect quote that describes Head Boy of Colombo South International College Akindu Perera’s attitude towards leadership.
“I wanted to be a great leader from the beginning when I joined the Prefect board. I wanted to be perfect but as no one is perfect I just simply tried to do my best. I also really wanted to do something for my school. So my target was to be perfect and having such an attitude has taken me to a place in life where I can say with assurance that I am satisfied,” said Perera.
Perera points out that from a very young age his inspiration was Former Sri Lanka Cricket Captain Kumar Sangakkara. Perera admires Sangakkara’s gentlemanly conduct on and off the field and the courageous and inspiring way he led the Sri Lankan team.
“I have always been a great believer in character and I admire the way Sangakkara spoke at interviews and addressed everyone with respect. Not only was he great in sports but he was great in studies as well. So at a very young age, he was a huge inspiration to me. In a similar fashion I want to contribute to Colombo South International and put it on the map because everyone who attends CSI can attest to the fact that it is special,” explained Perera.
During the beginning of his formative years, Perera was initially a shy student. He recalls that he was unable to even go on stage. But as the young man grew up and took on the mantle of Head Boy he shed this image of his and became more forthright.
“Prefect-ship has made me the man I am and has really helped me come out of my shell. For me life has meaning and I feel that life should be enjoyed because it is a gift. You need to enjoy life to the maximum. Poverty is no way to live life. You should not be a burden to society but should live life in a way where it does not interfere with someone else’s happiness. You get to live life once so enjoy it with no regrets. Do not spend your life constantly worrying and do not be stressed out because that is no way to live life,” pointed out Perera.
Being an aerospace engineer is a dream of his. For this, he has set his sights on studying abroad. With a love for travelling, broadening his horizons is something that makes him passionate. Being a Head Prefect will give him a smooth transition from student life to campus life. He also has the dream of having his own business because he wants to follow in his father’s footsteps as his father has worked extremely hard to create this business.
“When you go to University you don’t have friends. You need to make friends. You cannot be shy. You need to be forward. Becoming head prefect turns me into the forward character I wish to be. This will certainly help me realize my ambitions in the future,” said Perera.
He laments that there are so many corrupt leaders in the world. The drug menace is a huge problem that needs to be addressed in order to save the youth from a manacled life.
“This affects children leaving their future in ruins. Parents lose their children to drugs. My first concern is the wellbeing of the child. A leader should care about others if he or she is a proper leader. He or she should not be selfish. I want to do my part to make sure the children are cared for,” explained Perera.
His message to the youth is to worry about only the present because then you can be happy in life. Studies are important but your hidden abilities and talents are equally important says Perera. Too often parents place too much emphasis on studies. Enjoying life is as important as studies and sports. Striking that balance is important. If you get that balance then you won’t be stressed out.
“Every situation comes in life for a reason. So you need to change, learn and adapt. In life you encounter pressure. But your response and the way you handle the situation will decide the day. Barack Obama was there for a reason and he impacted the world,” said Perera.
Head Girl of Colombo South International College Minelle De Silva, said that becoming a Prefect has allowed her to develop her self- confidence and sharpen her leadership skills. It has also taught her to take up responsibilities and find herself in life.
“This school CSI is very close to my heart and I want to do my level best to see that it prospers. I have learnt to take up responsibilities and develop patience. I have found my voice by being a prefect. Prefect-ship has really transformed my life making me bold,” said De Silva.
For De Silva, her biggest inspiration in life is Michelle Obama. Michelle Obama’s belief in the value of education for everyone has certainly made a deep impression on De Silva.
“From Michelle Obama, the youth can understand that in life they should find what is within them and they should understand that we all have the potential to be a leader and this is especially true when it comes to women. Obama has inspired me to become a leader and a good woman,” said De Silva.
De Silva believes that the youth can make a change and a difference in this world. And this starts with Prefect-ship at school. She pointed out that the youth need to be a light in this world of darkness.
“You need to be the light of this world. You have to shine your light in this world, which is a world filled with depression and sadness. So as a leader in order to change this world, we need to make a change in our lives. We need to be the light that shines in our society, in Sri Lanka and ultimately in all the world,” explained De Silva.
From childhood, she took an interest in business and in becoming a business manager. This is a field she takes very seriously. It is a field that she wants to make a change in. For this, she wants to use her sporting abilities, specifically netball.
“Netball has built me into a really strong person. It has also helped me form relationships with my players and it has helped me guide them and teach them. It has taught me always to strive to win but at the same time accept defeat. I am very passionate about charity because I do like helping people. I really want to help those in poverty and help those in need. This would be part of my dream to become a businesswoman,” said De Silva.
De Silva feels that corruption and violence in society are the major inhibitors to development, growth and peace in a country. She feels that immediate action should be taken because those that suffer the most are the vulnerable children. Violence is a major impediment to the safety and happiness of children and their wellbeing.
“The needs of the child should come first. Education is the number one priority. As leaders we need to show the world that as Head Prefects we can make this world a better place at least where the coming generations are concerned,” said De Silva.
De Silva’s message to the youth is that you need to unlock your hidden potential. You need to bring out your hidden talents. You need to balance your education and sports which can also bring out a new you. It can make you a bold and responsible person. Everyone has a talent and they should find it. You need to gain something from your responsibilities and be a responsible person.
“Situations come for a reason. Pressure comes for a reason and most often it is to teach you something. The situation depends on you. Going through adversity can build something in you. Be kind and good because the world needs goodness. For me, God has helped me in everything in my life and I want to glorify God first for having given me this position. He has given me my parents, teachers and my school. He has given me knowledge and wisdom and my faith has made me the person I am today. Every bad situation has something good that we can take out,” said De Silva.
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