Belief vs truth: Gen Z isn't lazy, it's trailblazing

The stereotype is tired. Gen Z is lazy and entitled. They don't want to work hard, they just want fast success and easy money.

- By Rochelle Palipane Gunaratne

But history tells us that every generation has faced the same accusations.

What sets the record straight isn't data alone, it is the real-life stories of young individuals who redefine resilience and rewrite the rules.

Just look at Meira Van Dort and her cousin Shanuki Karunanayake, two remarkable young women who are turning challenges into milestones and dreams into action.

Meira Van Dort: Perseverance, Passion, and the Pursuit of Culinary Excellence

I first heard of Meira when she was in Grade 4, a high achiever and an alumna of Lyceum International School Wattala, she originally wanted to become a lawyer. But her heart had always belonged in the pursuit of culinary arts.

From a young age, Meira showed an unusual flair for creating gourmet-style meals out of everyday ingredients, a true foodie.

During the lockdown and economic crisis, her mother encouraged her to start baking. What began as a small venture shared among family and friends quickly grew by word of mouth. Soon, she was running a successful online business known for its Exquisite Baked Goods.