Steps will be taken to implement a new National Youth Policy in Sri Lanka in the first quarter of 2027 – PM

Prime Minister Dr. Harini Amarasuriya announced on September 16 that the new National Youth Policy for Sri Lanka will be finalized and implemented by the first quarter of 2027. The policy aims to address the challenges faced by Sri Lanka's youth and meet their aspirations for the future. The Prime Minister made this declaration during the 1st National Research Symposium on Youth Development, organized jointly by the Open University of Sri Lanka (OUSL) and the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports.

The symposium, themed "Young People as Right Holders and Change-Makers: Asset-based Pathways for Social Transformation," featured research papers presented under nine key thematic areas. These areas encompass youth empowerment and leadership, education, vocational training, health and mental well-being, youth entrepreneurship, technology and digitalisation, climate change and sustainable development, minorities and social integration, youth migration, and arts, culture, and creative expression.

The new policy, scheduled to be implemented after a previous draft in 2014 was not enacted, will be formulated with the involvement of all stakeholders and consider recent changes in technology, the economy, and the employment market. The Government has allocated Rs. 145 million for research and development activities in the youth and sports sectors under the Public Investment Programme, with Rs.

5 million designated for the symposium. This initial funding underscores the government's commitment to evidence-based policymaking. The Prime Minister emphasized that merely providing academic knowledge to young people is insufficient in the face of technological advancements and digitalisation. It is crucial to equip them with practical, technical, and vocational skills alongside knowledge.

The government recognizes youth development as a cross-cutting issue that affects all sectors and aims to establish a unified policy framework to guide and support young people in a scientific and sustainable manner. The success of the National Youth Policy will depend on its implementation, monitoring, and evaluation. The Prime Minister envisions developing young people who are resilient, adaptable, and capable of driving positive change in the world.