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VOLUME 5 | ISSUE 1 AP II T S RI LANKA N EW SLETTER
APRIL 2018
SLMUN

(Sri Lanka Model United Nations)

750 students from leading schools across Sri Lanka were part of the Sri
Lanka Model United Nations (SLMUN) sessions held from June to
August 2017. The main conference event was held at the BMICH in
September 2017, but several ancillary workshops were conducted
nationwide, under the auspices of the SLMUN.
SLMUN session in progress
The students were given introductions to the United Nations (UN), the
Model United Nations (MUN) as well as the Sri Lankan chapter of it, the In these highly interactive training sessions, many important aspects of
SLMUN. Mock practice debates were held where delegates learnt the leadership were explored at length. These included overcoming fear,
procedures, rules and practices of a committee session. organizing the structure of one’s speech, speaking off the cuff, and paying
attention to body language and other aspects of nonverbal
APIIT Sri Lanka was the platinum sponsor of this event, and was invited communication. Other aspects that are related to the conduct of the
to carry out workshops related to leadership training, speech craft and SLMUN were also discussed and mock sessions were held. These
personality development. Staff and students from APIIT travelled to 10 included debating, resolution writing, lobbying, diplomacy, international
venues across the country conducting these sessions, while a 3-day relations and advocacy. The need for teamwork and effective negotiation
workshop was held at APIIT for over 70 students. skills were also touched upon during these sessions.

The Career Guidance Sessions...

The career guidance session was a key component of the SLMUN. The
guest speakers hailed from a variety of backgrounds and spoke on a range
of topics.The objective of this session was to open the students’ eyes to the
notion that, while there is a large number of avenues that one can follow
after finishing school, there are a few principles that must be learnt,
practiced and nurtured in order to become a successful and useful citizen.
Ms. Chathura Sooriya Arachchi, an alumna of APIIT, emphasized the
SLMUN career guidance session
importance of speaking up. In any learning setting that one may be in, if
doubts and questions arise, it’s necessary to seek clarifications. Instead of
staying quiet; it’s always better to get an answer. At this point, she
introduced the ‘BHAG’, a concept raised in the book “Built to Last:
Successful Habits of Visionary Companies” by James Collins and Jerry
Porras. A BHAG is a long term Big Hairy and Audacious Goal that
everyone should have, which helps keep the focus on what needs to be
done in order to achieve big dreams. Hard work and dedication will always
ensure success.
In her session, Ms. Nilakshi Ravindran, the President of the Leo Club
District 306B2, spoke of how being involved in the club has moulded her
into the person that she is today. She has been part of the club from the age
of 13 years, and because of her involvement with activities outside of her
studies, she has learnt to effectively balance the various aspects of her life.
Her inspirational message was to “do everything that you possibly can while
Students taking part in group discussion in school. It helps you learn how to plan and balance, and how to work”.
completion of the programme, the participants were awarded Mr. Farill Farook, Personality Development coach and Business
certificates of participation. Psychologist spoke to the audience about presentation skills. From the

The feedback received from the participants was very positive. definition of a presentation to how one should prepare for it were
Both the students and the teachers claimed that this was the first explained. He took time in elaborating not only on the dos but also on the
training of this nature that they had attended, and that they feel they don’ts of presentations. This included paying close attention to one’s body
have been given a glimpse in to what the world will be like in the language and other nonverbal cues, which speak 4 times as much as what
future and a heads up on how to prepare for it. Their exposure to the is said in words.
recently upgraded computer laboratories as well as the moot court Mr. Farook stated that one must show dedication, hard work and
and other facilities is likely to remain a memorable experience. enthusiasm towards whatever goals one wishes to reach.

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