It is of vital importance that qualities of leadership are built and nurtured from youth.
In this endeavour, prefects in schools play an exemplary task in being role models and upholding the values and principles of the school as well as those of a true leader.
 This is what the Wesley Prefects’ Guild sought to share with their fellow leaders through their Prefects’ Day 2010 held on June 12.
Being the second Prefects’ Day to be held in its history since the first one in 2003, it was an important occasion for the college. This was reflected in the distinguished guests present at the event.
Mr. Shelton Peiris and Mr. Edmund Dissanayake are the college's most senior prefects having been proud leaders of the school during their time.
These gentlemen shared their experiences and views, which were welcomed gleefully by all those present.
The college also boasts of other distinguished past prefect personnel in the likes of Mr. Patrick Edema, Director of the STF Camp Kalutara, Mr. Prashan De Visser, Head of the Sri Lanka Unites NGO, Mr. Sajitha De Mel, the youngest President of the Lions Club Nugegoda, and Farveez Maharoof, National Cricketer.
With the participation of schools such as Methodist College, Bishop’s College, Ladies' College, Good Shepherd Convent, St. Peter’s College, St. Joseph's College, Asian International School, British School of Colombo, Musaeus College, Visakha Vidyalaya and D.S. Senanyake College, the full day programme saw the participants bond and come together in their goal of wanting to be the future leaders of Sri Lanka.
Mr. Adamally, popularly known for his theatrical work, but also for his expertise in the marketing and legal field, truly inspired the gathering with his interactive discussion on leadership.
He stressed that leadership is personal. The underlying factor behind leadership is happiness and that a true leader must embrace flexibility in order to achieve true success.
Being able to see the opportunity, being able to seize that opportunity and exploit it, is what will set a good leader apart from his peers.
Dr. Shanti McLelland, the Principal of Wesley College expressed his happiness at the opportunity the Prefects’ Guild of Wesley College had to share their experiences and leadership challenges with their counterparts and was confident that all participants would gain immensely from the workshop.
The Prefect Guild 2010 under the guidance of Greg Pallegama, the Head Prefect, worked tirelessly in order to bring together a prefects day that was memorable as well as truly fitting to its theme of "Outshine".
'The very essence of leadership is that you have to have a vision' said Theodore Hesburgh. Following the inspiring yet fun filled Prefects Day, no doubt the country's future already has forward thinking, hard working and team spirited leaders in the making. -
Shanika Perera |
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