Speaking at the event, the Hon. Governor of the Northern Province, N. Vethanayahan, stated that the “Nextgen Leaders” program was initiated in line with the vision of His Excellency President Anura Kumara Dissanayake — to bring about a transformation in behaviour and thinking so that, in the future, the country will be led by individuals with exemplary leadership qualities.
Under the Clean Sri Lanka Initiative, the “Nextgen Leaders” national program for the Northern Province commenced this Thursday morning – 30th October 2025 at Kilinochchi Muruganantha College. A total of 100 students representing 8 schools participated in the program, which aims to develop students’ attitudes and leadership skills. The session runs from 7:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m., followed by a special session for parents in the evening.
Delivering his keynote address, the Governor emphasized that the success or failure of any institution depends on the leadership qualities of its head.
“Today, we fail to see strong leadership among many departmental heads. Instead of thinking about how to complete a task effectively, some leaders tend to search for excuses to avoid doing it. They do not think of the people who come to them for services as our people, nor do they think about how to help them. To change this attitude, it is essential that the next generation be built with strong leadership qualities,” he said.
He further added, “You must cultivate innovative thinking along with leadership qualities. In the future, you should become leaders who think about what new initiatives can be undertaken for the benefit of our people and how those initiatives can uplift them.”
The event was attended by Mr. M. Patrick Diranjan, Secretary to the Ministry of Education, Northern Province; Mr. Y. Jeyachandran, Director of Education, Northern Province; Mrs. S. Lavanya, Additional Provincial Director of Education; Mr. A. K. Sivanarulraja, Zonal Director of Education, Kilinochchi North; Mr. A. Pangayachelvan, Principal of Kilinochchi Muruganantha College; and other officials and resource persons.
