Anoka Abeyrathne | British Council Sri Lanka

It all started way back in 2010 when I became a part of the International Climate Champions of the British Council. I came in for presentations and the atmosphere was very warm and lively. The old buildings fascinated me.

My relationship with the British Council evolved tremendously from being a Climate Champion to a Global Changemaker to a Commonwealth Changemaker to an Active Citizens facilitator. I was just a student with a passion for volunteering and protecting the environment. The relationship with the British Council empowered and enabled me and my colleagues to achieve our full potential, supported us when we needed someone to just listen to us. From contributing to programmes and reports to learning more about social entrepreneurship and advocacy, my peers and I have been able to build a strong relationship over the years, especially with the Society team. They even supported me with my decision to apply to the University of Cambridge to learn more about social work and entrepreneurship as well as numerous global events I have spoken at. I’ve made life-long friends, collaborated on projects and initiatives all because of British Council.

I was just a student with a passion for volunteering and protecting the environment. The relationship with the British Council empowered and enabled me and my colleagues to achieve our full potential, supported us when we needed someone to just listen to us.

From supporting equality to empowering women and youth in all corners of Sri Lanka to engaging in community development, to providing the ability to connect through a common language, the British Council has most definitely been achieving its objectives.

The British Council has been a vital part of my story in becoming who I am today. From being the first Sri Lankan to receive a Commonwealth Youth Award, to being featured in the Forbes 30 under 30 to becoming a student of the University of Cambridge with a full scholarship, I owe a lot to the British Council, especially to the Society Team. So do engage with the British Council, the people who work there truly care about making a positive difference in the communities of Sri Lanka.