SUNFO commemorates International Youth Day:

'Youngsters rising in countries with lowest economic growth'

SUNFO Youth Congress, the youngsters arm of the Sri Lanka United Nations Friendship Organisation, marked International Youth Day at the National Museum Auditorium, Colombo 7.

The keynote address was delivered by GYSD Asia Pacific coordinator and Director General of SUNFO Peace Ambassador Dr Deshapriya S Wijetunge.

SUNFO Youth Congress members at the International Youth Day ceremony

Dr Wijetunge said 43 percent of the world's population is currently under 25.

The number of young people is rising fast in parts of the world with the lowest economic growth.

What does that mean for education, families, jobs, health and sustainability? How can governments, civil society and international agencies work together to build a movement that will put youth interests at the heart of political debate and deliver sustainable results nationally and globally? he asked.

Seven youths who led remarkable service projects for GYSD were commissioned in this ceremony as youth community service ambassadors. The youths who received this honour were Chathuri Priyanka de Mel, Sandun Ineshka, Hansaka de Silva, Lakshani de Mel, K D Dulaj Sachintha, Bodhi Madhavi Galahitiyawa and Prageeth Piumantha.

Three youth serving organisations which conducted best national projects were honoured at this ceremony.

They were Mahawila Gardens United Students Front led by Padma Colonne, Ranmali Educational Institute led by Ranmali Gunawardena and Way to Comfort Youth Ministry led by Pastor Nanda Kumara.

Meanwhile, the SUNFO Youth Congress sent a delegation headed by cultural coordinator M Manchanayaka to the Asian Youth Assembly in Bangalore, India from August 15 to 18.

Dr Ishantha Siribaddana and Pitiyage Jayasena were awarded SUNFO Supportive Fellow Life Membership and several others as Associate Members.