Gateway College continues its supremacy at COMUN 2024
Gateway College further cemented its position as a dominant force at the 30th Session of the Colombo Operated Model United Nations Conference (COMUN) 2024, held from the 1st to the 3rd of March. As a pioneering and prestigious event in Sri Lanka’s Model United Nations landscape, this year’s COMUN attracted over 400 delegates from more than 30 schools.
During the Third General Assembly, which focused on ‘securing the foundations of human rights amidst conflict upheavals,’ Aaqib Fauzul Ameer and Aiden Thomas garnered significant recognition, achieving Second Honorary Mention and Second Higher Commendation, respectively.
Sineth Jayasundera outshone his peers by securing the First Higher Commendation, with Sajjad Reyaz triumphing as the Best Delegate.
The discourse in the Fourth General Assembly revolved around the intricate Israel-Palestine conflict and the influence of external stakeholders. Nisthula Subasinghe excelled with accolades for the Best Foreign Policy Statement and First Honorary Mention. Mandiv Samaratunga received the Second Honorary Mention, and Dhanuka Wijegoonaratne was awarded the First Higher Commendation for his insightful contributions.
In the Sixth General Assembly’s debate on ‘crafting a new principal judicial organ for the United
Nations,’ Anna Pathirage was recognised for the Best Foreign Policy Statement. Yusuf Qadir and Shanika Rupesinghe earned the Second and First Honorary Mentions, respectively, while Jehan Gunarathne was distinguished as the Best Delegate for his exceptional performance.
The Global Economic Forum, simulating discussions on ‘enhancing public finances for debt management, climate obligations, and economic growth,’ saw Dylan Pangoda receiving an Honorary Mention. Joshua Almeida emerged as the Best Delegate, a testament to his comprehensive understanding and strategic proposals.
In the International Olympic Committee (IOC) discussions, which focused on ‘the challenges of state-sponsored doping, particularly highlighting the Russian Olympic ban,’ Bihan Amarathunge and Shaveen Kanageswaran were acknowledged with the Second Honorary Mention and First Higher Commendation, respectively.
The Head of State Cabinet Council, deliberating on the contentious topic of the United Nations’ dissolution, awarded Yasir Nasran with an Honorary Mention, while Ranithu Rishon achieved the prestigious Best Delegate title.
An ad-hoc committee, merging the Third, Fourth, and Sixth General Assemblies, honored the Delegation of Israel, comprising Jehan Gunarathne, Aiden Thomas, and
Dhanuka Wijegoonaratne, with an Honorary Mention. The General Assembly Crisis’s Best Crisis Delegation award went to the Delegation of Germany, including Sineth Jayasundera, Nisthula Subasinghe, and Shanika Rupesinghe, for their exemplary crisis management.
Furthermore, in a combined crisis committee encompassing the Global Economic Forum, the International Olympic Committee, the Head of State Cabinet Council, and the Marvel Cinematic Universe Committee, the Delegation of Russia demonstrated unparalleled strategic prowess, earning the Best Crisis Delegation award for Specialised Committees.
The IOC, with Vakeesh Shanthiruban serving as Vice President, was heralded as the Best Committee of COMUN’s 30th Session, a significant accolade reflecting the committee’s excellence in organization and debate.
Gateway College’s remarkable achievements at COMUN 2024 underscore the relentless dedication and skill of its delegation, led by the unwavering support of Deputy Principals Mrs. Nishotha Anuraj and Mr. Anthony Chelliah, alongside the guidance of Mr. Vinura Abeysekera, the teacher in charge. This continued success story is a testament to the collective efforts and commitment of the Gateway College community.