Aruni Ganewatte

In 2011, I decided to pay tribute to my late mother’s memory by taking part in my final beauty pageant, Mrs. Asia USA. During this pageant, I was honoured to receive the People's Choice Award, which further motivated me to continue advocating for youth and making a positive impact in their lives.”

SLYO provides a platform that connects Sri Lankan youth globally, offering diverse opportunities for personal and professional growth, and promoting inclusivity, adaptability, and cross-cultural interactions.

Today on the Buzz, I speak to Aruni who was born in Sri Lanka and immigrated to the United States with her family when she was 10 years old. Aruni obtained her M.S. in Family and Consumer Sciences from California State University, Northridge. She is currently working as a Behaviour Analyst/ Parent Educator for children with Autism. As a child, Aruni was introduced to the world of beauty pageants by her mother. In 2000 Aruni won 2nd runner up for Miss Asia U.S.A. and went on to win the “Prettiest Five” Virgo awards in 2001 and in 2003.  One of her proudest moments was when she was crowned Miss Sri Lanka/Canada/ U.S.A. in (2001). In 2011 Aruni won the “Peoples Choice Award” , in the 
Mrs. Asia USA pageant.
Aruni established the Sri Lankan Youth Organisation (“SLYO”) in 2011 and developed the organisation to a global status by establishing  4 chapters in the US , UK, Canada and Sri Lanka. Today she speaks about her work and how we can also contribute as a community.  

There are many young organisations in SL.  what would you say is different about #SriLankanYouthOrganizationInc.SLYO?

SLYO stands out from many other young organisations in Sri Lanka due to its unique approach and focus on connecting 
Sri Lankan youth around the world through its four pillars: Leadership, Education without borders, Community involvement, and Youth global interactions. 
Here's what sets SLYO apart
Global Connectivity: One of the key differentiators of SLYO is its ability to connect Sri Lankan youth from various parts of the world to one platform. By creating a global network of youth, SLYO provides a unique opportunity for young Sri Lankans to interact, collaborate, and learn from each other, irrespective of their geographical location.
Four Pillars: SLYO has identified four crucial pillars that form the foundation of its initiatives. These pillars are Leadership, Education without borders, Community involvement, and Youth global interactions. By focusing on these pillars, SLYO aims to offer a holistic approach to the development of the youth, empowering them with essential skills and experiences.
Opportunities for Growth: Through its four pillars, SLYO offers numerous opportunities for young individuals to grow and thrive in an ever-changing world. Leadership programmes instill essential leadership qualities, while Education without borders breaks down barriers to knowledge and learning. Community involvement fosters a sense of responsibility and social impact, and Youth global interactions encourage cross-cultural understanding and collaboration.
Inclusivity and Diversity: SLYO's global reach and diverse membership pool contribute to its inclusivity. By bringing together youth from different backgrounds, cultures, and experiences, SLYO creates an enriching environment that promotes tolerance, understanding, and appreciation for diversity.
Adaptability: The emphasis on being part of an ever-changing world showcases SLYO's commitment to staying relevant and adaptive to emerging challenges and opportunities. This flexibility allows the organisation to continuously evolve and cater to the evolving needs of the youth it serves.
In summary, SLYO differentiates itself by providing a platform that connects Sri Lankan youth globally, offering diverse opportunities for personal and professional growth, and promoting inclusivity, adaptability, and cross-cultural interactions. Through its four pillars, SLYO aims to empower young individuals to become future leaders and make a positive impact on society.

SLYO is recognised by the United Nations, can you elaborate? 

Official Recognition: Consultative Status is a formal recognition by the United Nations that SLYO is a reputable and credible organisation that is actively working towards positive social change and contributing to the well-being of youth on a global scale. This recognition enhances the organisation's reputation and validates its efforts.
Participation in UN Activities: With Consultative Status, SLYO gains the right to participate in various meetings, conferences, and events organised by the United Nations. This provides the organisation with a platform to voice its perspectives, share insights, and contribute to discussions on issues related to youth, education, leadership, and other areas it focuses on.
Access to Information and Resources: As a recognised organisation, SLYO gains access to valuable information, data, and resources provided by the United Nations. This information can be instrumental in shaping the organisation's programmes, projects, and strategies.
Networking and Partnerships: Consultative Status facilitates networking opportunities with other NGOs, UN agencies, and stakeholders. This opens doors for potential collaborations, partnerships, and joint initiatives, allowing SLYO to work collectively towards common goals.
In summary, Consultative Status with the United Nations is a prestigious recognition that opens up a range of opportunities for #SriLankanYouthOrganizationInc.SLYO. It allows the organisation to engage with the UN, advocate for its causes, access resources and information, build partnerships, and extend its impact on a global scale.

This Organisation is registered ®️ in the US. how does this help Sri Lanka?

As a registered 501(c)(3) organisation in the United States, SLYO enjoys several advantages that directly benefit Sri Lanka and its youth. The registration as a 501(c)(3) nonprofit provides SLYO with tax-exempt status, allowing the organisation to carry out fundraising efforts to support its mission and initiatives effectively. 
Here's how this registration helps Sri Lanka:
Tax-Exempt Status: As a 501(c)(3) nonprofit, SLYO is exempt from federal income taxes in the United States. This means that any donations made to the organisation are tax-deductible for donors. This tax benefit encourages individuals and businesses to contribute to SLYO's cause, which in turn provides additional financial resources to support youth-focused projects and initiatives in Sri Lanka.
Financial Transparency: As a registered nonprofit, SLYO is required to maintain financial transparency and accountability. This ensures that donors' contributions are utilised efficiently and effectively towards the organisation's stated mission. Such transparency fosters trust and credibility among potential donors and supporters.
Global Reach: Being registered in the US gives SLYO a global reach and exposure. The organisation can access a vast network of potential supporters, including Sri Lankans and other individuals or groups interested in contributing to youth development in Sri Lanka. This extended reach amplifies the impact of SLYO's efforts and increases the opportunities for collaboration and partnerships.
In summary, the registration of #SriLankanYouthOrganizationInc.SLYO as a 501(c)(3) organisation in the US opens doors to various fundraising opportunities, financial transparency, and global reach. These advantages enable SLYO to gather resources and support from diverse sources, which ultimately contributes to its ability to create a meaningful and sustainable impact on the lives of Sri Lankan youth.

Tell me about your background? What made you start this? 

In the early 1990s, I moved to the USA and experienced the challenges of balancing two cultures, as many people do when they leave their home country. During this time, I realised the importance of representing my Sri Lankan heritage proudly in the United States. Encouraged by my mother, I decided to participate in beauty pageants and modelling, as it provided me with a platform to showcase and celebrate my Sri Lankan identity.
In the year 2000, I took part in the Miss Asia USA pageant, competing with 52 other countries. To my delight, I achieved the 2nd runner-up position, an incredible achievement. Motivated by this success, I continued my journey in beauty pageants, participating in the Miss Sri Lanka, Canada USA pageant and winning the coveted title.
In 2011, I decided to pay tribute to my late mother's memory by taking part in my final beauty pageant, Mrs. Asia USA. During this pageant, I was honoured to receive the People's Choice Award, which further motivated me to continue advocating for youth and making a positive impact in their lives.
My passion for helping young people, combined with my educational background (holding an MS in Family Consumer Sciences), fuelled my desire to contribute meaningfully to society. It was then that I decided to establish #SriLankanYouthOrganizationInc.SLYO. Drawing on my knowledge and experiences, I envisioned a platform that would connect Sri Lankan youth worldwide and provide them with unique opportunities to develop leadership skills, gain quality education, actively engage in community projects, and interact with their global peers.
Through the four pillars of Leadership, Education without borders, Community involvement, and Youth global interactions, I sought to empower young individuals to navigate the ever-changing world and become leaders who make a positive impact. SLYO became the medium through which I could combine my passion for representing my culture, my commitment to youth advocacy, and my dedication to fostering a better world for the upcoming generations.

both sponsors and volunteers of SLYO play vital roles in empowering Sri Lankan youth worldwide. Let's delve into the key responsibilities of sponsors and volunteers in the organisation:

Role of a Sponsor in SLYO:
Sponsors are individuals, organisations, or companies that offer financial or material support to SLYO's initiatives and programmes. Their contributions are fundamental to the organisation's sustainability and successful implementation of various projects. The role of a sponsor in SLYO includes:
Financial Support: Sponsors provide the necessary financial resources that enable SLYO to conduct educational programmes, leadership workshops, community projects, and other vital initiatives.
Mentorship and Guidance: Some sponsors may extend mentorship and guidance to the organization and its members. This involves sharing expertise, offering valuable advice, and supporting the development of SLYO’s leadership team.
Brand Visibility: By associating themselves with a reputable youth organization like SLYO, sponsors gain brand visibility and positive exposure. Their support is recognized during events and on various promotional materials, showcasing their commitment to empowering youth.
Networking Opportunities: Sponsors can facilitate valuable connections by linking SLYO with potential partners, collaborators, or supporters, thereby expanding the organization’s network and reach.
Impact on Youth: Ultimately, sponsors make a direct and significant contribution to enhancing the lives of young Sri Lankans by providing them with opportunities for growth, education, and leadership development.