National Youth Policy launched

Uditha Kumarasinghe

COLOMBO: A National Youth Policy (NYP) which officially spells out the nation's duties and responsibilities towards the hopes and aspirations of the youth has been introduced for the first time by the Youth Affairs Ministry.

The NYP introduced under the theme of "a proud younger generation for 21st century" intends to cater to the youth population of nearly 35 per cent to uplift their creative talents in cultural and sports sectors, Youth Affairs Minister Pavithra Wanniarachchi told the Daily News yesterday.

"Taking immediate measures to formulate this NYP is one of the key pledges given to the country's youth by the UPFA Government in its election campaign to take prompt action regarding key youth issues. Therefore, the formulation of the NYP clearly indicates the priority given by the Government on youth issues," the Minister said.

The Ministry launched the National Youth Policy on May 23. The Ministry has given a one month's time frame from May 23 to the public to express their views and ideas on the NYP.

According to the Minister this is the first time that a viable NYP has been formulated in Sri Lanka to address the problems faced by youth. The Ministry has widely inquired all issues pertaining to youth when the final draft of the NYP was formulated.

The Ministry has also studied the recommendations made by the UNESCO and the Commonwealth on the NYP.

Five targets as well as the rights and responsibilities have been identified to achieve the objectives of the NYP. In addition, eight strategy sectors have also been identified for the implementation process of the Youth Policy, she said.

The Minister said several formal institutions have been identified and those institutions have been recommended to implement the NYP. These institutions includes the National Youth Services Commission, the National Action Plan on Youth and Inter Ministerial Executive Committee on Youth Affairs.

"The NYP will guide society to recognise the capabilities and aspirations of the nation's youth, facilitating an environment to overcome the constraints faced by them," she said.

The NYP will give priority to empower the socio-economic conditions of youth by providing facilities for them to develop their skills in various fields such as culture and sports.

"The formulation of the NYP will provide an opportunity to the Ministry to organise countrywide youth in a more productive manner."