Late Prime Minister rendered yeoman service - Minister

Mohammed Naalir

Youth Affairs Minister Pavithra Wanniarachchi yesterday said late Prime Minister Sirimavo Bandaranaike with the intention of fostering relations with neighbouring countries established the Bandaranaike Centre for International Studies (BCIS) in 1976.

She made this unique gesture considering the future of the motherland and the yeoman service rendered by the late Prime Minister should be praised and appreciated by all.

Addressing the launch of the BCIS-YCL Awards-2008 at BCIS auditorium Minister Wanniarachchi said the late Prime Minister succeeded in establishing BCIS with Chinese assistance.

Wanniarachchi said that Youth Affairs Ministry jointly with the Environment and Natural Resources Ministry have initiated an awareness programme for the youth on protecting natural resources and the advantages that could be derived by the country from environment protection.

"A youth community who will love nature will definitely emerge from our country and which will be an example to the international community on how to protect the environment".

When compared to the villages and urban areas most of the people in the villages render a volunteer service to the community.

"A disciplined society emerged from our country under President Mahinda Rajapaksa's Government which bred a community which loved the motherland, refrained from smoking and vice and live according to religious principles".

She said the Youth Affairs Ministry has launched various programmes to empower and educate the youths through National Youth Services Council (NYSC).

Executive Director of BCIS Tennakoon said that BCIS has a 32 year history and was initiated to bring Sri Lanka to international arena and promote and develop friendship with other countries.

He praised the past students of BCIS. He said nearly 80 per cent of BCIS students are now engaged in diplomatic service.

The youths who are between 15 to 30 years who has rendered a commendable service to the community are entitled to apply for the awards competition.

Those who contribute to promote peace, to protect human rights, women's rights, child rights, and worked for community health, environment sustainability, assisted to employment/livelihood activities, carried out youth empowerment programmes, for culture and Arts, agriculture and irrigation development and education, disaster management, information communication technology, HIV/AIDS awareness programmes and sports are entitled to apply.

Three outstanding leaders from each category will be awarded with Gold, Silver and Bronze medals. The Most outstanding young community leader will be given a Rs. One million grant for his excellent service.

Those applying for the award should be Sri Lankans.