International Youth Day today:

Youth for world's betterment

Youth had been the driving force behind change for the better in the world throughout history. Governments which realised the socio-economic and cultural values of youth have always utilised their physical and mental potential to cater to the welfare and progress of their people, said Youth Affairs Minister Pavithra Wanniarachchi in a message to mark International Youth Day.

The release said the theme of International Youth Day this year is "Sustarnability, our challenge and our future".

On the eve of International Youth Day the UNO had proclaimed that in the context of the global village there is a need before us to arrive at a global agreement regarding common social responsibility.

Therefore the world's Youth generation which will fashion its future beyond the 21st century should embrace the challenge of complete sustainability.

President Mahinda Rajapaksa after assuming duties has directed unprecedented attention on the country's youth and their potential. This is proved by the Mahinda Chintana which is a practical program rather than a mere election manifesto.

The Government has created a revolutionary social change through programs to wean the youth away from the liquor, drug and smoking habit.

Without stopping at that the Government has launched programs to control indecent films and publications and to totally eradicate the underworld culture which led youth to disaster. The President has also launched a program to re-integrate misled Tamil youth to society as free citizens without trying to castigate them as criminals and restrict them to detention camps.

The Youth Affairs Ministry on its part has launched several programs to train youth and obtain their contribution towards country's development and progress. The youth brigade program launched by the NYSC is playing a leading role in this endeavour. "Let us all join hands to utilise the strengths of youth for the betterment of the world".