Mani and Lakruwan reflect on their experiences in
Johannesburg- Laureus sponsored
Leadership Exchange, April 2010

It was my dream to someday fly to a foreign country, to see how Sri Lanka looked from the sky above. I always wondered what it will feel like to fly in the sky like a bird. I used to stare in awe at an airplane, which rarely flew over our house, like a child. I never imagined that my dream would be realized so soon. It is amazing. I believe it is due to my good fortune that I was selected to fly to South Africa by Laureus Sport for Good Foundation and the Foundation of Goodness, the joint organizers of this tour.
Entering the airport and being in an aircraft altogether was a totally strange experience to me. I was in a kind of daze during the time I was in the airplane until it reached South Africa. The cold climate, food, accommodation too was very different to what I had known.

Our first activity was a visit to a Children’s Activity Centre. We had fun with the children in the Centre and we had the opportunity to interact with 4 foreign students who were touring with us.

It was an honour to meet and talk with the fastest go kart racer Lewis Hamilton. Speaking with him alone lifted up our spirits. We also had the rare opportunity to meet with the world renowned former US Olympic gold medalist Edwin Moses.

The most wonderful experience was the opportunity we had, to ride in Go-karts for the 1st time ever in life. We actually took part in a Go-kart race and I was able to win the 3rd place which was fantastic and lots of fun.

Later on we went to visit a zoological garden where we were allowed to actually touch the animals and take photographs with them. To pet fierce animals such as lions was an unbelievable experience as we would have not been able to do so in Sri Lanka. Next we went to see an African drama. Though we could not understand their language or what they said we could understand their expressions which touched my heart. We were able to comprehend the difference between the Sri Lankan and African life styles and cultures.

We also had the chance to visit the house of Nelson Mandela and know about the sacrifices that were made to gain independence. It was indeed a great opportunity to visit a foreign country. It is extremely joyful to have got the chance to be exposed to the outer world being born in a tiny island country like Sri Lanka. In being given the opportunity of a foreign tour, it gives me reason to believe that dedication, focus, determination and pure intentions actually reward you in making your dreams come true. I learnt a lot through this tour and I was loaded with new hope and dreams when I flew back home.

The new knowledge, experience and memories will definitely change my future for good.

Manuja

It is my good fortune to be able to represent the Seenigama Aquatic Club on a foreign tour organized by the Foundation of Goodness and Laureus Sport for Good Foundation. It was the first time I was flying and the experience I had during the flight to South Africa from Sri Lanka was all new to me.

We first went to a school in South Africa where we had fun interacting and playing with the African brothers and sisters. Next we visited a zoological garden where we had the chance to see rare animals and in fact touch lion cubs which was an experience we would not have had in Sri Lanka.

The honour of meeting the world renowned sports champions Lewis Hamilton and Edwin Moses and the moments of interaction will forever be engraved in my heart. The precious moment of victory when I won the first place in the Go-kart race was fascinating and invaluable especially since it was the first time I ever saw a Go-kart. At a cultural festival we were able to learn a lot about the African culture, the days before gaining independence and the changes that had taken place after, music, etc. It helped me improve my knowledge immensely.

Our visit to the Great Nelson Mandela’s home was memorable. Being in an airplane, journey to a foreign country, opportunity to meet world famous people for the very first time will be an unforgettable memory in my life.

Lakruwan Wijesiri

2010.05.25