Report 15th AsPac Regional Gathering, Sri Lanka

The 15th AsPac Regional Gathering was organised by NSGF Sri Lanka on the 5-8 of September 2018. It was hosted at Global Tower Hotel, Colombo, Sri Lanka. We were about 75 from 9 countries (Australia, Bangladesh, Indonesia, India, Malaysia, Maldives, New Zealand, Pakistan & Sri Lanka). We were welcomed by a warm opening dinner with Sri Lankan cultural dance and inspiring speeches. The Vice Chairman of ISGF, Zalillah Mohd Taib was also present.

The opening ceremony was held on the next day we had sessions on AsPac Region Triennial report, accounts, constitutional review, AsPac Foundation report, updates from NSGFs and approval of constitution. The Vice Chairman of ISGF also shared with us about ISGF as well as the shelter project in Uganda. NSGF Sri Lanka organised a very nice international bazaar for all of us. The event was graced by the Minister of Tourism of Sri Lanka. Our day ended by a nice Sri Lankan dinner at the hotel.

To move forward, session on planning & vision 2024 - strategic discussion on growth was carried out by Greg Davis from Australia and Dr. Aamal Ali from Maldives. Many ideas were exchanged, and everyone is looking forward to a better region to all members in the region. A new team of office bearers were born on the same day too. We appreciate all the hard work that had been done by the previous team and we are looking forward to the new dynamic team which conceived members from Australia, Indonesia, Malaysia, Maldives and Bangladesh.

We were brought to the official residence of the Prime Minister of Sri Lanka for campfire in rickshaw. The campfire was officiated by the First Lady of Sri Lanka who is also a member of the Sri Lanka Girl Guides. Everyone had fun and we ended our day in joy and endless laughter.

The closing ceremony was held at the beginning of Saturday. It was a short and meaningful ceremony. The Chief Commissioner of Girl Guides Sri Lanka, Ms. Visakha Tillekeratne closed the gathering with a inspiring speech. Participants went on a city tour around Colombo before we head home and some of the participants continued their journey to Galle.