Anudi’s Voice, Our Future: Rekindling Sri Lankan Youth with Tradition and Purpose”
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Sri Lanka is a land blessed with abundant natural resources and remarkable talent, enriched by a proud history and a deeply rooted civilization. In the 2025 Human Development Index (HDI) released by the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), Sri Lanka is ranked 89th out of 193 countries, leading the South Asian region with strong achievements in education, health, and income.Yet, despite this progress, there remains a significant challenge—many Sri Lankans continue to struggle with defining and embracing their true national identity. Encouragingly, we are beginning to witness meaningful moments that underline the urgent need for cultural reconnection and self-realisation.One such powerful moment came through the inspiring words of Miss Sri Lanka Anudi Gunasekara, who began her speech at the 72nd Miss World Pageant in India’s Head-to-Head Challenge with a timeless message from the Buddha:
“Refrain from all evil and cultivate good.”
She quoted Dhammapada Verse 183, delivering a profound spiritual truth with grace and conviction:
“Sabba papassa akaranam,
Kusalassa upasampads,
Sacitta pariyodapanamṁ —
Etam Buddhana sasanam.”
This verse—translated as “abstain from all evil, cultivate virtue, and purify the mind”—struck a chord far beyond the pageant stage. It reminded the world, and more importantly, Sri Lankans themselves, of the timeless values embedded in our culture, heritage, and spirituality.In an event where nearly 100 contestants showcased their talent with passion and flair, Anudi stood out not only for her performance but for her message—one that seamlessly blended tradition with purpose. She proudly introduced herself as a product of Sri Lanka’s free education system, hailing from the historic city of Anuradhapura. Her voice was not just artistic—it was deeply patriotic and socially conscious. More interestingly, she has articulated her mission not as a quest to change the entire world overnight, but as a commitment to empowering individuals—one meaningful act at a time. It is this kind of clarity, purpose, and voice that the youth of Sri Lanka need today.
At a time when many young people are increasingly disconnected from their roots—knowing the birthday of Eminem but not the significance of Anuradhapura—it is a stark wake-up call. The Sri Lankan education system, as well as society at large, must reflect on the urgent need to embed cultural literacy, patriotism, and national identity within its curriculum. As educators, we must accept our part in this silence and act now to realign our focus.And also, we have witnessed that certain elements are operating in the space of social media with unnecessary addictions to cultivate the “dependent mentality and inferiority complex “among the nation.The Indigenous values of whatever the country needs to be admired and respected.The young generation is being misled by superficial influences, often amplified by unfiltered social media narratives. This is why Anudi’s example matters. She demonstrated how one can embrace modernity while remaining proudly rooted in heritage. As Winston Churchill once said, “A love for tradition has never weakened a nation, indeed it has strengthened nations in their hour of peril.”Countries like India and the United States have long realised the value of embedding patriotism into their education systems.Anyway in Sri Lanka, there is a need to have a serious discussion on this.And also, we have seen an inclusive leadership mindset in Anudi’s presentation .She concluded by stating that all 100 participants had already won, as they had become proud ambassadors of their respective nations. This was not merely a closing line—it was a demonstration of empathy, emotional intelligence, and global thinking. There are many attributes and Qualities are often missing in leadership today. Such traits are what Sri Lanka urgently needs—not only in politics and governance but in community leaders, educators, entrepreneurs, and youth advocates. Leaders who speak with conviction, act with compassion, and inspire by example.
Anudi’s rise on the international stage is part of a larger narrative. Over the decades, Sri Lankan women have continued to shine globally—from Sirimavo Bandaranaike, the world’s first female Prime Minister, to Susanthika Jayasinghe, our Olympic silver medallist, and Jacqueline Fernandez, who captivated Indian cinema.More recently, Yohani Diloka De Silva broke through cultural and commercial barriers to find space in the Indian music industry, one of the largest and most competitive in the world. Her viral success not only uplifted her own career but sparked renewed interest in Sri Lankan music.These women—Sirimavo, Susanthika, Jacqueline, Yohani, and now Anudi—are not just achievers; they are cultural ambassadors. They remind us what Sri Lankan talent, confidence, and values can achieve on a world stage.
In conclusion, Anudi has delivered a message far more powerful than a beauty queen’s soundbite. She has ignited a conversation we desperately need to have: Who are we as Sri Lankans? Are we nurturing a generation proud of its roots, or are we silently letting our identity fade? What Miss Anudi Gunasekara did at Miss World 2025 was symbolic—but symbols have power. They provoke thought. They spark emotion. And they sometimes start revolutions. Her message has touched a nerve. Now, it is our responsibility to carry that message forward—not just in conversation, but in policy, practice, and purpose.
(The writer is a Professor in Management Studies Open University of Sri Lanka and You can reach Professor Abeysekera on nalinabeysekera@gmail.com )
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