A trainee graduates from Sewalanka's Leadership and Sustainable Agriculture course.

A second batch of youth recently graduated from Sewalanka's Leadership and Sustainable Agriculture course at the Islander Center.

The Center is situated on a working farm in Rajanganaya, Anuradhapura and was established to develop an 'Islander identity' based on shared values and a commitment to peaceful coexistence and positive social change.

According to Sewalanka Chairman, Mr Harsha Kumara Navaratne, "An islander mentality means we recognise our interdependence as humans and our dependence on our natural environment.

"Over the past 20 years, young people have not had the opportunity to interact with members of other religious and ethnic groups. The Centre provides a place where they can come together, learn from each other, recognise their commonalities, and appreciate the diversity of this country" Mr Navaratne said.

The Islander Center aims to develop youth leadership, promote sustainable agriculture and environmental awareness and also provides a forum for dialogue and learning.

Twenty enthusiastic young leaders from throughout the country participated in the three-month course.

The training is intended to build young community leaders and to instil in them a critical understanding of economic, social and environmental issues. Senior Sewalanka staff members provided theoretical and practical training in community development, leadership, management, and communication skills.

The Agriculture Department of Maha Iluppalama, Open Economy Center of Dambulla, Central Bank, Animal Health Department, Nochchiyagama, Post Harvest Technology Institute, Ceylinco Midigama Fruit Production Institute, and university lecturers contributed to the sustainable agriculture and natural resource management component of the curriculum.

A recent graduate of the course said that the course had not only introduced a diverse range of agricultural skills, it had also improved his job opportunities: "I am looking forward to a career in the private sector and to serve my community by implementing sustainable agriculture practises," he said.