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The youngest Deshamanya titleholder - Lakshan Seneviratne 

12 Dec 2021

By Mahika Panditha    For those of you who do not know Lakshan Seneviratne, it is about time you did. Lakshan is an entrepreneur, a social and political activist, and an author. He was recently honoured with the Deshamanya title, and is the youngest holder of it. As a known public figure, Lakshan spoke to us about navigating his social media presence, being an active member of the community, and also his work in social service. He has great aspirations and we cannot wait to see what lies ahead in his journey. Congratulations Lakshan, you are an inspiration to many! Check out what he had to say to us last week.    What drew you into social service and why?    I always watched my parents and grandparents, who are still donating and helping the helpless and the voiceless. I also wanted to see a nation thriving with youth achievements. That’s why I created my own organisation back during college to “inspire youth and empower bravery”, aimed at building a kinder, loving world.  I’ve seen gaps in our systems and in our society itself, for example like gender inequality, unequal pay, discrimination, injustice, etc. I will try my best to reduce these and help my people.   How challenging was it to get to where you are?    There were so many (challenges)! What’s funny is, I work so well when everyone around me tells me it’s not possible; I always find a way to get it done. People always have something to say. I’ve also heard people saying that my achievements are fixed by under-the-table distributions. Not even my family knew I had applied for some of my achievements. I surprise them most of the time with the designation/title that I receive. What I am trying to say is that my achievements are a genuine result of my hard work and determination. I wanted to triumph through sheer willpower and grace. This made it possible for me to win some, but also lose some. It’s okay to not succeed in some areas.    What other milestones have you achieved in your past?   I’ve learnt that to find silence is to find your voice and to find your voice, you must find silence. Keep in mind that the two most powerful words are “I” and “am”, and when you put them together, you can either create yourself or destroy yourself. My milestones were my foundation to get to where I am today. I am very introverted, but my voice is loud.  The title Deshamanya was secured as a result of my milestones, which shaped me into who I am today.    Has social media played a role in your success? And what advice can you give in that respect?    Truly, it’s a perk for this generation, but it could go both ways, positivity or negatively. I believe this depends on how an individual uses their social platform. I am very careful with what I share and comment, because people are quick to judge. My advice is, do not use social media to portray flex or clout, but use it wisely to actually build who you are and showcase yourself without any filter. I have learnt over the years that others’ opinions don’t matter, and that any form of true validation isn’t achieved via the internet.   Aside from all this, what do you enjoy doing?    I enjoy watching movies and eating out. I can literally sit at a café sipping coffee and that will be very enjoyable. I also read.   Tell us about your awards and titles and how you feel about them.   I am speechless at having received the most inspiring and honourable title for my age! My family was stunned and truly amazed too.  I have received five titles, the highest of which I’ve gotten thus far is the Desamanya (Pride of the Nation), which is the second highest Sri Lankan national honour that is awarded as a civil honour “for highly meritorious/praiseworthy service”. I also got the Deshabandu award “for notable service”; Viyapara Bhushan award for business creativity; Lanka Puthra award, which means “Son of the Nation”; and Manawa Hithavathi for “caring for humankind”.   How did you evolve from a regular youth to who you are today? Tell us about that process.  It was truly humbling. In the beginning, it started with donations, team-building programmes, and working with multiple grassroots-level organisations, locally and internationally. From there, my life’s purpose and presence was met. I knew that this was my calling.  The process is never easy, but I am a very patient individual with no regrets. So, I take each step aiming for the highest, and pushing my thinking and learning new skills and just growing into who I want to be. Basically, faking it (mentally) till I make it.    What do you have to say to the next generation, to those who are reading this right now?   Be vigilant, be patient, and know your purpose. There is always a place for your individual talents. Some youths are complaining that there is less opportunity in Sri Lanka, but running away or moving to another country doesn’t solve your problems, it just postpones them until you meet another unrest. I agree that Sri Lanka needs youth reform, but I also see great options where creative-minded thinkers can thrive but simply lack the motivation. There are also youth barriers where certain establishments always condemn the actions of us youths, saying that we don’t have the knowledge or the experience; however, life itself is a learning curve. Change starts from you! We, the youths, have the power to change the country and the future generations to come, and it is our duty to protect and create a better place. Start now! Aim high and act today, mentally make yourself into the person you want to be in life, which will please you and actually bring delight, and from thereon, take the first step and just watch how thousands will follow you and watch how all your plans will unveil.   


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