Youth leads Sri Lanka in International Mountain Day

“We’re a group of educated youth born and raised in the mountains of Sri Lanka,” writes Ranjith. “For me, this is the world that provides everything – we all live together as one family here and always depend on nature and the mountains for our livelihood.”

A message from Ranjith pops into my inbox the other day. “We work to preserve mountains in Sri Lanka,” the note says. Ranjith formally introduces himself and his team of twelve eager youth who want to make a difference for the land that makes their living possible. They are from Haputale, a small town which is situated 4,695 ft above sea level and has lush bio-diversity and beautiful mountain ranges.

“We are celebrating International Mountain Day in Sri Lanka – our goal is to make it the biggest celebration of this day in the South Asian region.” I am intrigued. We’ve received inquiries from all over, but Sri Lanka of all places? In my ignorance I never quite pictured it with lots of mountain ranges...I keep reading Ranjith’s message and start "googling" his village in Sri Lanka. Wow – what lush countryside – I want to learn more. So Ranjith and I start a little e-conversation...

Ranjith is part of a group of educated youth called the Prabhawa Team, who work together with the urban council of Haputale. Their vision is to share their knowledge and create awareness among the people in their country about the importance of mountains.

Chantal: How did you find out about UN’s International Mountain Day?

Ranjith: I have always been a knowledge hunter and a nature lover too. I guessed there would be a special day for mountains and went through magazines, books and the Internet, and finally found this UN declared day (December 11) for mountains.

Chantal:  What do mountains mean to you?

Ranjith: For me, mountains are sacred. They are a holy land structure which exists on this planet earth to serve and look after all the living beings including humans. 20 per cent of the world’s surface is comprised of mountains. We not only depend on them for water, oxygen and minerals, but also for shelter and our livelihood. In Sri Lanka, tea is the biggest money making industry and this cash crop has been cultivated in the hill country stretched within mountain ranges – Tamils have lived here for generations. I come from such a plantation community. We used to play within these fields and climb the branches of the trees when we were young – life was simply wonderful!

Chantal: What activities have you been planning for International Mountain Day?

Ranjith: We’re holding an International Mountain Day celebration on December 11^th, have organized school programs and campaigns for the public to raise awareness of the importance of mountains and  their preservation, and  we’ve also organized a seminar on disaster and risk management. We need to preserve mountains to preserve human life.

Chantal: Do you climb or hike?

Ranjith: I do them both but never as what you call a “hobby”. That’s because mountains are like our mother providing all the necessities for us. The people of my country have an advanced vision and are positive minded - in a way innocent too. There is not much opportunity for them to learn about sustainability. So my job is to do my part and show them the good way.

Chantal: If there is one message you could share with the Climb For Change community, in particular other youth around the world, what would it be?

Ranjith: Yes, climbing mountains is a good thing to practice. But no one has the right to pollute or harm them in any way. We as humans should behave in a responsible way. And we should be grateful to nature and of course serve the mountains for our future generations.