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The 10th SAS was held at Retreat House, Thewatta, Ragama, Colombo, Sri Lanka from 11th to 18th Dec. 2010.  Delegates from Sri Lanka, India, Pakistan, Bangladesh and Nepal participated in it. Besides me, Fr. Jude and Suzan from Kolkata, Alice Antony form Nagpur, Tini Canuet and Edna Enola from Mangalore were Indian contingent.

At 10.30 am Most Rev. Malcolm Cardinal Ranjit arrived at the venue. He was welcomed by the Sri Lankan YCS students with cultural attire and dance. All the delegates and guests were welcomed traditionally by offering the beetle leaves and bindi. The National Chaplain Fr. Ramanayaka welcomed the august gathering. Then the Cardinal by unveiling the Logo of SAS 2010 inaugurated the programme. In the inaugural message speaking on the theme – With faith students move forward for a green and peaceful world through education – He urged the delegates to transform the world by a life of holiness, self giving and surrendering to the will of God or else our action will be only noise without any effect. Let your action be able to spread the love of God – he said and blessed the gathering.

The parents of the Sri Lankan delegates, Ex YCSers, LOC and other members were also present.  The International coordinator Loucille, Asian coordinator Reyna, Asian Chaplain Fr. James Chako, Deputy secretary of the Immigration department and all the fathers who guide YCS groups in Sri Lanka witnessed the programme.

Then the Cardinal inaugurated the exhibition put up by all the national movements and after the group photo Fr. Bonie, the rector of the minor seminary offered the inaugural mass.

Afternoon the local YCS groups presented their cultural items which was a marvel to watch.  The tiny ones did shine by their mind boggling performance. The LOC were a great band of service minded people.  With an always shining smile on their face they were ready to do anything for the participants. Fr. Ramanayaka proposed the vote of thanks and urged the delegates to participate in SAS with full enthusiasm.

On 12th Dec. after the mass all the delegates went for exposure visit.  4 places were chosen for this with the thrusts Environment, Food Crisis, Peace building and Human rights. It was a great learning experience.  Basing on this theme the rest of the SAS progressed.  Each day was dedicated to different thrusts.  Along with the country report and interventions by various resource persons it was made memorable by making a strong statement on the theme to work for the betterment of the society along with the personal transformation of the each member.

We had a day’s outing to various places near the programme site. The participants were very good and Indian delegation did made a mark in the SAS. With this experience we look forward to work hard in making the forthcoming World Council to be held in New Delhi, India in June 2011.