Minister reiterates commitment to volunteerism

Nethali STRUYS

Volunteerism plays a great role in our day to day lives and therefore we reiterate our commitment to provincial structures which support the national structure, said Social Services Minister Felix Perera.

He was addressing the IYV+10 (International Year of Volunteers) steering committee preparatory meeting for the launch of IYV+10 Provincial Sub-committees at provincial level.

The minister observed that such an initiative for provincial structures is highly recommended by the government to fully engage all its stakeholders.

The meeting brought together approximately 90 representatives from all parts of the country where they enthusiastically engaged in the formation of Provincial Sub-committees.

"This will serve as a platform through which various volunteers who are already working in their respective projects, will be effectively networked and come together to ensure that provincial volunteer activities are better coordinated," said United Nations Development Program (UNDP) Resident Representative Razina Bilgrami.

They discussed various obstacles faced by the participants in their respective provinces and how to overcome them. Methods and mechanisms of mobilizing volunteers in the local context and best practices were also discussed.

The IYV+10 Provincial Sub-committees are expected to act as a supporting body by provide guidance and coordination at provincial level for IYV+10 volunteering activities in Sri Lanka. The objective of these Sub-committees is to assist in emphasizing, recognizing and celebrating the diversity of volunteerism.

The National Steering committee and the upcoming Sub-committees are expected to pursue their mandate beyond 2011 to further strengthen the volunteerism spirit and work in the country.