Sharanya Sekaram: An activist on a mission

Passionate about integration and nation building, Sharanya Sekaram is part of an emerging generation of new wave Sri Lankan activists who are deeply committed to building ties amongst the different communities in Sri Lanka. Currently an Executive Committee member and Head of Media and PR at the Unity Trust Mission, where she is a volunteer, Sharanya also works for International Alert as a consultant in the area of Urban Development amongst others. Armed with a law degree, Sharanya is passionate about using all forms of arts and culture in a sociological space and the use of social media to engage and curate conversations and collaborative projects to help with reconciliation and nation building. Her passion for a cause she believes will make society a better place augurs well for Sri Lanka.

How did you get involved with the Unity Mission Trust?

I attended ‘The Role of Art and Culture in Reconciliation’ Conference hosted by the Lakshman Kadirgamar Institute where the Co-Founder Trustee Shyamala Pinto-Jayawardena was speaking and through the question and answer session I engaged in a very interesting conversation with her and the Founder Trustee Bertal Pinto-Jayawardena about the need to integrate people from all over the country with each other rather than just focusing on taking people to visit the North. After the event  Bertal invited me to attend the team meeting and from there my involvement moved very rapidly.

What motivates you to get involved in community building work?

Growing up my parents always encouraged us and stressed the importance of giving back to society and so this was something that was very much a part of our lives from an early age. When I left university, I was on the look out to get involved with long-term sustainable work that makes a real impact, as opposed to one off projects – i.e. integrate it into my everyday life. The motivation for me is knowing that one day I will be able to look back and know that I did my part, and not feel helpless in the face of crisis.

What do you do at the Unity Mission Trust?

I function as an Executive Committee Member and the Head of Media and PR. Apart from taking care of the media and PR front – as an Exco member and a member of the operations team, I am involved in every aspect of our programs from the initial planning stages, to the ground implementation, raising funds, working with partners etc.

As an activist what steps do you thing to the new government should take towards better integration?

It is hearting to see that reconciliation and integration is a strong priority for the new government. I feel that they need to hold meaningful consultations and partner with young activists and civil society groups that have been working in this space and ensure that their advice is taken on board. All too often these conversations and formulation of these policies only takes place at a certain level with very little or no consultation with the beneficiaries or citizens directly affected. It is important that all stakeholders have a say and are involved in the process.

How would you change the negative view the diaspora has of Sri Lanka?

There needs to be more sustained efforts to help us connect with the diaspora and understand their side of the story as opposed to being so defensive and negative. I personally was not as open to the diaspora until a few years ago when I had the opportunity to work closely with two members of the diaspora from France and the USA respectively and they became close friends. I realized then that meaningful interaction and engaging closely with them can do much to foster a relationship.

How did your tenure as a Youth in Community Activism representative on the United Nations Youth Advisory Panel help you in your work with UMT?

It was because of my work with UMT that I was invited to represent that sector of youth on UNYAP. Working with UMT has given me access and the ability to form relationships with youth from across the nation at a grassroots level, as well as understand the deeper issue that they face and their potential. I have been able to create a one-on-one firsthand relationship with these young people, and allow them to tell me what their opinions and issues are rather than relying on second hand information.

As women what more can we do to assist in community building work?

We can focus on issues that men traditionally for cultural reasons and sensitivity, cannot be over involved or reach women on such as women’s health, maternal care, gender sensitivity, sexual health and rights etc.

Apart from UMT what other projects are you involved in?

I am a Global Shaper with the Global Shapers Colombo Hub, which is an initiative of the World Economic Forum and function as the Hub’s Deputy Curator. I am also the Founding Director of Saviman, a tech social enterprise that gives free tech advice to social enterprises and not for profits. I was also part of the core team that launched the Junior World Economic Forum in Sri Lanka.

By Tina Edward Gunawardhana
Photographs by Kushan Pathiraja