Sri Lanka Scouts review strategic plan
Some 30 key Scout leaders of Sri Lanka Scouts Association representing all Scout districts from all over the country gathered at Lee Dessayanake Scout Camp in Mirigama from 10th to 15th October 2010. The gathering aims to review the Scout association's strategic plan “Towards 2013,” which includes objectives and action steps for 2008 to 2010. The plan was adopted in 2004 focusing on youth programme, adult leadership, finance, management, and public relations.
Honorary Chief Commissioner H.S. Weerakoon inaugurated the workshop where he highlighted the challenges faced in drafting the first strategic plan in 2004 while commending the commitment of Scout leaders who continue to pursue the process of planning, implementation, and evaluation. APR Management Sub-Committee Chairman Janaprith Fernando pointed out the importance of strategic planning for national Scout organizations and the monitoring efforts by the regional office. Regional Director Abdullah Rasheed congratulated Sri Lanka Scouts Association for regularly assessing their strategic plan, making it the third of a series of planning and review. He said that the regional office had supported 16 NSOs in developing their national plan.
Among the achievements highlighted in the current plan are the changes in the policy involving young people in decision making, membership growth seminars across seven provinces, introduction and growth of female scout membership, and conduct of more adult leader training courses. In addition, the two Scout centres in Mirigama and Point Pedro were upgraded substantially. Another major development is the formation of 14 troops in war-affected zones in the north and east of Sri Lanka. The construction of an 8-story national headquarters building started in June this year to be completed in 2012, which will be a monumental way of celebrating the centenary of Scouting in Sri Lanka.
Other key national leaders joining the ceremony were Chief Commissioner Chandrasena Batuwangala, International Commissioner Shiraz Shalih and Mr. M.F.S. Muheed who is also the workshop director. From the Regional Office, S. Prassanna, Syd Castillo and Christeen Lauron are assisting in the strategic review exercise.
