TEDx Colombo: Blueprint For Change 

Change is constant and something that we are affected universally. Sri Lanka has faced a rapid development through infrastructure and ideas which eventually connects people both locally and globally, along with start ups and miniature industries taking over all over the nation. Change has never taken such a toll in everyday life, with this time change being a game changer! 

TED which is short for Technology, Entertainment and Design are conferences held on a global level. "Ideas worth spreading" being the motto, focuses on many topics in terms of whether it's culture, tech, science and even academics. With the X standing for an independently organised event, a TEDx conference usually showcases a set of incredibly dynamic and feisty young individuals and provides local speakers a platform to voice out their ideas that are worth sharing! 

The Blueprint For Change being this year's theme had an amazing round up of speakers addressing aspects of climate change, politics and bad debts which got all of us enthused and inspired throughout. The event was an immense success with over 950 attendees along with a live streaming audience and viewers from around the world. 

The Nelum Pokuna housed the event and was in fact the perfect spot to accommodate the crowd and to host the many interactive sessions that took place from an interesting bingo game to the exciting action stalls of fresh crispy hoppers and the cute prizes! 

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The 8 speakers were: 

1. Shanuki De Alwis 

She spoke on 'drama therapy' to breakthrough one's limitations and issues and on 'characterization' to make a change. 

2. Asoka Obeysekera 

Asoka spoke on shifting the burden of proof: www.manthri.lk, accountability, information requests and so much more! 

3. Chinthaka Abeysekara 

The true answer to our waste problem is not 'act', but 'habit'. 

4. Nissanga Warnapura 

To enable innovators, entrepreneurs and inventors to perfect their product requirements: on enabling Sri Lanka. 

5. Michael & Ohan 

When all the world’s a stage, the very concept of a stage is rendered obsolete. Wherever you are is the right place to express yourself. Challenge your social norms, step outside of your comfort zone, discover who you are and, through that, the world you live in. 

6. Chandila Fernando 

Chandila spoke on 'oil for debt swaps' as an alternative solution to refinancing debt, about love, the courage to be different and dreaming big. 

7. Chaminda Serasinha 

The first speaker talked about 'climate change' and how we can be responsible consumers and be aware, consuming responsible products. 

Not to mention we also spoke to the audience to get their view: 

"It was an awesome experience and so completely worth it!" - Sherene 

"It was great and mindblowing how great it has grown into!" - Mehr Gunawardena 

"The speakers were really good specially Shanuki De Alwis." - Maria 

"The organisations was fabulous and being a performer myself, Shanuki was very inspiring!" - Odile Melder 

"It was so good! And the performers were very inspirational."- Ronali