YOUNGSHIP SRI LANKA IFTAR & DINNER 2024
Run For Her – Inspiring Inclusion to Raise Awareness on Menstrual Hygiene and Period Poverty
In a tremendous display of youth activism, YoungShip Sri Lanka organized ‘YoungShip-WISTA Run For Her 2024’; an event in line with International Women’s Day, shining light on the pressing issues of inadequate menstrual hygiene and period poverty in Sri Lanka. The event took place on 03rd of March 2024 at Independence Square, bringing together over 250 participants who took part in the charity run as a call to address the fundamental rights of girls and women in rural parts of the country. The event comprised a 5km Run for Men and Women, a two-person 5km relay, and a kid’s run.
Period poverty, the inability to access sanitary products, and proper menstrual hygiene management due to financial constraints, is a pressing concern faced by millions of women worldwide. As a result of Sri Lanka’s socio-economic inequalities, many women and girls in the country still grapple with the stigma, shame, and practical challenges associated with menstruation and obtaining the right hygienic products.
‘Run For Her’ 2024 brought together several organisations that showcased their shared concern for this cause and fostered a sense of unity and purpose across several industries. The Women’s International Shipping and Trading Association (WISTA) Sri Lanka joined hands with YoungShip Sri Lanka as the Title Sponsor for the event.
Silver sponsors included Fairway Colombo and Meridian Maritime Services, while Advantis and Cargills Food City showcased their support as the event’s bronze sponsors.
Other partners for the event included;
- Product Sponsor – Femography by MAS
- Medical Partner – Melsta Hospitals
- Fitness Partner – TASS
- Hydration Partner - Redbull
- Radio Partner – Fox Radio
- Outdoor Media Partner – Emerging Media
- Waste Management Partner – Encare
- Online Shopping Partner – Daraz.lk
- Venue Partner - CR&FC
- Food Partners – Susiko, Maggi
- Gift Sponsors – 4Planet, VOSKOM, Thyaga, Serenity, PowerCrunch, AdamExpo
- Partner Associations – Old Thomians Swimming Club, Women in Management
- Other partners – Aquafine, pulse.lk
- Event Designer – G360
As participants crossed the finish line and reflected on the significance of their collective efforts, 'YoungShip-Wista Run For Her' left a lasting impression on the hearts and minds of all involved. It served as a testament to the power of youth leadership in driving positive change in the country and empowering the future.
As a thank you for their endeavor, all participants received tokens of appreciation from the event’s gift sponsors; in addition to a finisher’s medal and certificate. The first 10 male and female runners, winners of the relays, and all participants of the kids events were commemorated, along with unique prizes for the event’s last finisher, oldest participant, 100th registrant, and many more. As a special gesture to all women participants, Femography by MAS donated samples of their latest menstruation product to hallmark the event.
In further commemoration of Women’s Day, YoungShip Sri Lanka also set up a Donation Booth for the collection of funds and sanitary products. Proceeds from the event will be used to organise workshops covering all aspects of menstrual education and carry out projects in distributing sanitary products to rural communitues in the country throughout the year ahead.
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YoungShip Sri Lanka Christmas Party 2023
YoungShip Sri Lanka successfully concluded their Christmas Party 2023 to call the year to a close in an evening of fellowship, food, fun, carols and act of giving at the Nondescripts Cricket club, Colombo on the 14th of December 2023.
With over 110 participants present the evening was no doubt an eventful and memorable one. YoungShip Sri Lanka also launched their Caring Hands Programme during this event that aims to support and provide underprivileged children with the necessary resources, training and awareness to build their future. Another shout out to Mayura & the band who kept everyone swaying to their tunes into the night.
Quiz Night Featuring Quiz Master Dominic Kellar
YoungShip Sri Lanka successfully conducted their Quiz night featuring Quiz Master Dominic Kellar at the Chatham Bar & Grill on the 29th of August 2023. With over 150 participants present the evening was no doubt an eventful and memorable one. We congratulate the 3 winning teams and all 25 teams that took part who challenged each other through all the rounds. Everyone enjoyed the much-awaited quiz, the raffle and the entertainment. A big thank you to Dominic Kellar for keeping spirits high and for being an amazing host. Another shout out to the De Silva Brothers who kept everyone swaying to their tunes into the night.
Panel discussion on “Digitalization in the Maritime Industry and the Potential Impact of the Port Community System for Sri Lanka”
YoungShip Sri Lanka successfully concluded their seminar and panel discussion on “Digitalization in the Maritime Industry and the Potential Impact of the Port Community System for Sri Lanka” at the BMICH Orchid Hall on the 16th of August.
With over 130 participants present the evenings discussions left attendees inspired by the potential the future holds for the maritime industry, the action needed to ensure we maintain our position as a maritime hub, the understanding of challenges we are yet to face and ways of overcoming these hurdles, the solidarity shown by the stakeholders to identify the benefits they are each to gain and work collectively towards this common cause, and the broader impact on increased sustainability through digitalization amongst many other key take aways.
The keynote address was delivered by Marcura Senior Analytics Manager Janani Yagamurthy, an eminent figure in the maritime sector nominated by the Institute of Chartered Shipbrokers Sri Lanka, on the theme ‘Maritime 4.0’. The esteemed panel comprised of SLPA Addl. Managing Director Lal Weerasinghe, Sri Lanka Customs Senior Deputy Director Thilaka Pragnarate, CWIT CEO Harikrishnan Sundaram, CICT GM/Chief Information Officer Jayantha Perera, while being moderated by CASA Doc and IT Committee Chairman Chrishantha Fernando.
Patrons Forum 2023
The YoungShip Sri Lanka Patrons Forum took place on the 26th of July with 24 attendees (YoungShip Past Patrons and committee members) who have contributed towards the growth of YoungShip over the last 10 years.
The Event focused on introducing previous senior exco members to the current exco (individuals who have contributed to YoungShip over the past 10 years). The event acted as a small gesture from YoungShip to thank these individuals who have contributed to its current standing over the past 10 years. It also enabled the current leadership to share an update of the recent accomplished & planned initiatives with Patrons & previous exco members and receive feedback.
YoungShip Tree Planting Project (1 & 2)
YoungShip Sri Lanka successfully concluded the 1st project of their Tree Planting Initiative 2023 together with the University of Colombo Agro -Technology and Rural Sciences on the 20th of June 2023. The 1st 200 trees were planted in the outskirts of the Bundala National Park. We sincerely thank all the faculty staff & students, volunteers, and contributors for supporting us and making this project possible.
Subsequnetly, YoungShip Sri Lanka concluded the 2nd project of their Tree Planting Initiative 2023 together with Seaspan Ship Management & Ceyline Shipping (Pvt) Ltd & The University of Colombo Agro -Technology and Rural Sciences on the 25th of June 2023. The special day commemorated seafarers for their unstinted dedication towards world trade, and we were delighted to have over 35 seafarers joining us on the day. The 200 trees were planted within the faculty premises bordering the Bundala National Park. We sincerely thank the faculty staff & students, Seaspan & Ceyline team for supporting us and making this project possible.
YoungShip Sri Lanka Avurudu 2023
YoungShip Sri Lanka successfully hosted their Avurudu event celebrating the Sinhala & Tamil New Year on the 28th of April 2023.
We thank all the sponsors and over 100 members who participated for a successful evening of networking and entertainment.
