Our Leadership Model
The Social Change Model of Leadership Development (SCM) encompasses the combination of leadership and service to enact positive, social change within a community.
Some key concepts include the understanding that all participants have the potential to be leaders (not just those with formal leadership positions) and that leadership is collaborative.
SCM is a three-pronged value approach with regards to the following areas – the individual, the group and the society. These components are defined in the diagram on the right.
Source: Astin, Helen S. and Alexander W. Astin. A Social Change Model of Leadership Development Guidebook Version III. The National Clearinghouse of Leadership Programs, 1996.

Meet Our Team
Our leadership team typically consists of around 15 – 20 students each year, working diligently on a daily basis to ensure the association operates as smooth as possible.
On an individual level, these students are provided with the opportunity to develop their self-awareness and voice their opinion amongst the wider community.
On a group level, they are provided with the means to enhance their teamwork, conflict management, communication and event management skills throughout the course of the year by participating in university-run workshops. Moreover, they are able to further develop their leadership capabilities and gain invaluable hands-on experience.
On a societal level, these students are able to make a positive social impact through their work, which is directed towards advocating change in Australia and Sri Lanka.

Back Row (L-R): Mevan Fernando, Vibhuthi Wickramaratne, Charles James, Ravindu Jayasena
Middle Row (L-R): Devyansh Singh, Arijana Jumar, Piyumi Welgama, Divita Singh, Priyanka Ganeson-Hands, Anushan Jeyachandran, Danushan Jeyachandran, Maya Nair
Front Row (L-R): Supuni Sirisena Arachchi, Vihanga Akash Silva, Emily Carvalho
Team Roles
Overall Executives
University Executives
Studying at: Curtin University – Physiotherapy
Fun Fact: I am obsessed with animals, especially dogs
Studying at: Curtin University – Bachelor Double Degree (Law and Commerce)
Fun Fact: I can speak Gaelic
Studying at: University of Western Australia (UWA) – Medicine
Fun Fact: I peaked in middle school 😎
Directors & Mentor(s)
Studying/Working at: University of Western Australia (UWA) – Business Law and Gender Studies
Fun Fact: Once I met Djokovic and he told me to never quit tennis and aim for the stars…and then I quit tennis the next month
Studying at: Curtin University – Psychology and Marketing
Fun Fact: Elephants can’t jump
Studying at: Curtin University – Bachelor of Commerce (Accounting)
Fun Fact: I’m scared of balloons
ORDINARY COMMITTEE MEMBERS (OCMs)
Honourable Mentions
Our work over the years would not have been possible without the multitude of individuals who have assisted us. These individuals have invested a countless number of hours during their period of service and we would like to acknowledge them for going above and beyond to ensure the survival of our association since conception. For this we remain eternally grateful.
- Gnaneeka Kodagoda (LYS Founder & President 09 – 14)
- Naveeshan Xavier (Co-President 15 – 16; Resident DJ 15 – 18)
- Venuri Lisboa-Pinto (Co-President 15 – 16; OCM 17 – 18)
- Mokshya Balage (Social Media)
- Himesha Seneviratne
- Hirushi Pathirana (Co-President 18)
- Aarahnan Raguragavan
- Nevin Jayawardena
- Sharankan Namasivayam
- Ridma Ratnakele
- Kalpanie Fernando
Want To Join Our Team?
Leadership Team Perks
Invaluable Leadership Skills
Event Management Skills
Strengthened Interpersonal Skills (such as Communication, Time Management & more)
Increased Networking Opportunities
Professional Development Opportunities
Recognition at your University (such as Curtin’s Extra Certificate)
Making New Friends from a Similar Background
Our Ideal Candidates
Creative, diligent, conscientious people
Genuine interest in helping our club achieve its goals
People willing to learn new things
People with a passion for Sri Lankan culture and/or supporting charitable work (you don’t necessarily have to be in University)
Our leadership team intake for the year happens between February to March via Google Forms. Make sure to follow us on social media to keep an eye out for application forms!
Applications OPEN: 9:00 AM, 4/02/19
Applications CLOSE: 11:59 PM, 1/03/19
"No act of kindness, however small, is ever wasted." - Aesop
The above quote succinctly conveys how the work undertaken by our youth leaders has a triple benefit, in line with the SCM.