Youth of today face two major challenges - Prof.

Lakmini Rodrigo

COLOMBO: The two major challenges faced by today's youth are Social Development and Peace Building of the country, said Prof. S.T. Hettige, Sociology Dept, University of Colombo briefing the press yesterday in Colombo.

The press conference was held in view of the International Youth Camp that would be held from March 3 to March 5 at St. Aloysius Collage, Galle to commemorate the International Volunteer Day which fell on December 5.

The camp organized by the United Nations Volunteer and the Ministry of Sports and Youth Affairs will house nearly 500 young people from here and abroad.

According to the Professor the quality of life of the older and younger generations should be looked into and improved coinciding with the low infancy death rate, the high literacy and life expectancy rates in the country.

He added that young people in the country should actively participate in overcoming those challenges, and the camp was not only about their contribution but also a great opportunity for them to gain experience for their future, and play a greater role in decision making.

Today's youth suffer from unrest and unemployment and a national campaign should be brought into address the issue, said Lead Manager National Council for Economic Development and National Projects Director- MDG Sherman Gunatilake.

He also added that the last budget had paid much attention to the youth and children and their problems, which implies the significance of youth contribution in developing the country.

The UNDP Sri Lanka Director Abu Y.M. Selim said that the International Youth Camp effords a good opportunity for young people to act and mingle with one another overcoming barriers.

Sinhala, Tamil, Muslim and Foreign youth below the age of 29 are to take part in the camp which includes presentations, team games,cultural programmes, meditation programmes, model youth parliament and the UN general assembly, a shramadana programme and talent shows under the guidance of UN volunteer Kamal Addaraarachchi.