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by Talia Jayasekera

"Youth are not directly the problem. It is certain issues within society that have led them to behave in such a violent manner", said Dr. Markus Mayer, of the Colombo University, at a lecture series titled "The Violent Youth Conflicts in Sri Lanka", held at the Sri Lanka Foundation Institute recently.

Dr. Mayer said, "Social and ethnic discrimination, unemployment, family disturbances cause many emotional problems in our youth and in turn they lash out in a violent manner".

Youth unrest has been the public focal point for many weeks now with clashes at some universities in relation to ragging incidents and the recent death of a student at a private tutory. Youth violence seems to have increased dramatically over the recent months. Ovitigala Vithanage Samantha and Sri Dushmanta Warnakulasuriya were both victims of youth violence. Their brutal deaths, occurring barely two weeks apart, shocked the nation.

Violence has been a part of our lives for many years with the ethnic conflict erupting. People turn a blind eye on violence as it is so much a part of their lives. We have almost become immune to death and destruction. It is as routine as the sun rising. But children who are born into the violence often manifest hatred in them. The anger and rage they feel toward personal discrimination comes out as destructive behaviour towards those around them. They react to seemingly mundane things and cause havoc.

"The youth are often victims of the war. Even though most of them are not directly involved in the fight, they have suffered the consequences psychologically. Authorities look on them with suspicion and they lack individual freedom", says Dr Mayer.

But society also takes a very weak stand when it comes to youth violence. People are shocked when such incidents occur and the Government speaks very harshly against it. But it all blows over in a few days and the next disaster becomes the focal point. No rules or laws are set up to stop it. Police authorities are not briefed on how to handle such situations. Clashes only escalate when the authorities get involved. The victims and their families cry out for justice but it falls on deaf ears. The five minutes of publicity and fame are over. Its time to move onto the next piece of action! Protesting is done just to satisfy our personal, inner need or guilt but once nothing comes out of it, we give up and do not continue the fight.

"Youth are often described as undisciplined and rebellious but it is the Government authorities, who are neglecting their duties, that do not realise the potential of these young people", says Dr Mayer. Dr Mayer works in collaboration with the National Youth Councils of Sri Lanka and Sweden. He has carried out many surveys on youth violence and its causes. Youth from the North and South are interviewed for such surveys so that diverse opinions can be gathered. "During my survey in 1999/2000, I questioned many youth on whom they could turn to for help. Majority of them said they did not know. When asked who they think should be the person to help. Most answered that it should be the Government".

"I agree that it should be the Government who guides the youth. People in power should represent the interests of the youth as well. Not only the adults who vote", he said.

"The youth are more likely to join radical movements or clash with others because their grievances have not been not addressed by those in charge", said Dr Mayer. "They are frustrated because they are very young and have still not found their place in society."

The National Youth Council of Sri Lanka launched a training program 2 years ago to promote "Democratic Youth Leadership". The Council invited participants from local schools, scout clubs, YMCA and other organisations. Their wish is to spread the word of peace and democracy. They have seminars and lectures for the youth to discuss any problems that they may have. The groups are then expected to practice what they have learnt with others. One member of the Council said these groups ran into a few problems due to funding and the lack of participants.

"Rehabilitation is the key", says Dr Mayer. " The youth need rehabilitation centres where they can talk to professionals. They may not have fought in the war themselves but that does not mean they are not affected by it. It is necessary for such centres to be opened so that future unrest can be avoided".

One feels the youth of our country need guidance. Most importantly they need to be heard. Political instability, ethnic differences and social stigmata reflect heavily in their lives. Where there are aspirations, they lack opportunities. It is time the Government and society work together to help these young people. They are the agents for solving these problems. The youth do not need grand messages spoken to them by politicians at meetings. They need to understand that they are respected as individuals. Violence is never the answer.

This lecture series is being organised by the Sri Lanka Foundation Institute/DYLP in collaboration with the South Asia Institute, Friedrich-Ebert Stiftung Centre for Poverty Analysis and IMCAP, University of Colombo.

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