Meet Ashan Perera, a trailblazing social innovation professional dedicated to promoting human rights education and youth leadership globally, whose journey began with a powerful vision of transforming local initiatives into a global movement for positive change.

Could you briefly introduce yourself and share what initially inspired you, at such a young age, to embark on a journey of youth leadership and advocacy for human rights in Sri Lanka and beyond?

I am Ashan Perera, a social innovation professional, dedicated to promoting human rights education, peace, sustainable development, and youth leadership, both in Sri Lanka and globally. My journey began in 1998, at the age of eight, when I observed three children near my home unable to attend school due to financial constraints. In response, my siblings and I built a small hut to provide these children with daily education, which eventually evolved into the United Children’s Club, marking the start of my transformative journey from a local initiative to a global mission.

I strongly believe that fostering a united and developed society requires mutual respect and collective collaboration for social change. Encountering the United Nations Universal Declaration of Human Rights inspired me to advocate for social values, responsibilities, and human rights education. My goal is to cultivate a responsible society where respect is fundamental to our shared values.

Your journey in youth leadership started at such a young age. Can you share a specific moment or experience from your childhood that ignited your passion for serving your community and advocating for human rights?

My childhood differed significantly from that of my peers, as did the experiences of the volunteers alongside me. My journey began with modest beginnings and small steps. The pivotal moment that fuelled my passion was the establishment of the United Children’s Club in 1998, initially aimed at assisting three children unable to attend school. Witnessing the enthusiasm of my neighbourhood’s children and the support of parents and seniors, I recognised the significance of our work and felt compelled to expand our reach, aiming to bridge the gap between facilitated and unfacilitated communities.

The Muthuhara Kids Society played a crucial role in formalising my aspirations into a concrete children’s society, serving as a guiding light for my endeavours. While growing up, I became aware of social and community discrimination, including disparities between racial groups worldwide. However, watching the Commonwealth Games in 1998, I was inspired by the unity and celebration among people of diverse races. This experience instilled in me the belief that positive change is possible, leading me to organise Olympic events in my neighbourhood to foster connections and unity among children. Reflecting on those moments, I recognise that it was not just the children but also their families who came together during those formative experiences.

The Road to Rights is a remarkable youth-led organisation that has expanded to 22 countries. What challenges did you face while expanding your organisation globally, and how did you overcome them? 

The Road to Rights originated in 2009, a challenging period for Sri Lanka due to the civil war. Despite the societal stigma surrounding human rights, the organisation promoted the concept as a set of shared responsibilities. The organisation’s emphasis on collective action fostered unity, leading to the engagement of 12,000 volunteers in Sri Lanka.

Representing Sri Lanka globally underscored the relevance of the organisation’s vision to youth in similar contexts worldwide. Embracing the ethos of ‘think global, act local,’ the organisation expanded internationally, establishing 22 chapters across the globe, and engaging approximately 20,000 volunteers.

As an advocate for youth rights, what are some of the most pressing issues that young people face in Sri Lanka today, and what initiatives have you undertaken to address them?

To combat youth unemployment in Sri Lanka, I created the G17 University Ambassadors Consortium, focusing on equipping young individuals with the necessary skills and knowledge for the evolving job market. Tailored for university students, this programme not only enhances skills but also fosters social responsibility and advocacy for Sustainable Development Goals, including human rights and climate action, on both local and global levels.

In your opinion, what role does value-based education play in shaping the future of youth and promoting human rights? How can it be integrated into educational systems more effectively?

Value-based education is indispensable in our society, promoting empathy, appreciation for diversity, and the development of responsible, compassionate citizens. It fosters tolerance, respect for individual rights, and dignity, providing students with a moral foundation to make ethical decisions, advocate for social justice, and embrace diversity. Cultivating these values in our youth is crucial for addressing the social and cultural challenges in Sri Lanka.

To integrate value education into the educational system, it is vital to incorporate it into the formal curriculum, either through dedicated courses or by infusing values into existing subjects. Equally important is the role of well-trained teachers who can exemplify values and lead discussions on ethical dilemmas and human rights. Community involvement also plays a crucial role in facilitating experiential learning, allowing students to grasp concepts through practical experiences and real-life examples.

Given the interconnectedness of today’s youth, fostering unity, respect for diversity, and a profound understanding of human rights is fundamental for the unity and progress of our nation.

How do you think educational institutions can play a more active role in promoting youth leadership and social responsibility?

Sri Lanka’s educational system is in need of comprehensive reform to adapt to the evolving global landscape. Of course, this is a well-known truth. Aside from academic information, new knowledge should be added, as well as sessions such as transformational leadership, capacity building and sustainability. Such reforms would foster resilience among students.

Above all, I believe that critical thinking and open dialogue should take place in the classroom. Students should be encouraged to study complicated societal issues, find realistic solutions, and participate in constructive conversations to extend their viewpoints.

Students should be encouraged to actively participate in their local communities through volunteer work, internships, or service-learning initiatives in order to produce socially responsible individuals. These experiences expose students to real-world situations and motivate them to take on leadership roles in meeting the needs of their communities.

In your view, what are the key challenges that the world faces in achieving Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), and how can young people play a pivotal role in overcoming these challenges?

The achievement of Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) is impeded by a lack of awareness and education, as well as limited support from policymakers and inadequate financial resources. Furthermore, the absence of partnerships among various groups poses a challenge as the SDGs necessitate collective action.

Despite these challenges, young people have the potential to expedite SDG progress through their energy and creativity. They can promote SDGs through digital activism and community events, and integrating the SDGs into school curricula is essential for educating future generations.

Innovation is crucial for realising the SDGs, and young professionals and innovators can develop creative solutions to address associated challenges. Fostering intergenerational dialogue and partnerships, along with promoting youth leadership, is vital for advancing SDGs. Political will and cross-border cooperation are imperative, and young people can contribute by advocating and holding governments accountable for their commitments, ensuring collaborative efforts for SDG achievement.

Looking ahead, what are your long-term goals and aspirations for The Road to Rights organisation, and how do you envision its impact on global youth empowerment in the coming years?

We are committed to establishing The Road to Rights as a global youth organisation that empowers young people worldwide. Our vision is to provide a dynamic platform for nurturing essential leadership skills and fostering a strong sense of social responsibility, preparing youth to make a significant impact in various industries. By investing in their development and facilitating global collaboration, we aim to cultivate a network of young leaders driving positive change on both local and global levels. Our long-term goal is to evolve into a global social innovation institution, enabling youth to spearhead transformative social, economic, and cultural advancements, ensuring a better future for all.

Photos © ASHAN PERERA