Sri Lanka’s Youth Society is at the center of a growing political storm as former leaders and grassroots activists accuse the current government of turning a once-independent movement into a politically driven agenda. Is the National People’s Power administration reshaping the future of youth leadership, or erasing its democratic roots?
Did you know these facts about the ‘Youth Society’ that is shaking up the political landscape?
The ‘Youth Society’ has become one of the most talked-about issues heating up Sri Lanka’s political stage in recent weeks. The controversy centers around accusations that the National People’s Power government is politicizing the Youth Society Federation and reshaping it to serve its own agenda. This has triggered public backlash, protests, and fierce debate over what the movement truly represents.
According to Deputy Minister of Youth Affairs Eranga Gunasekara, the Presidential Election Policy Statement includes reorganizing the Youth Society, stating that the government received a mandate to carry out that task.
“The reorganization of institutions such as the National Youth Service Council, the National Youth Corps, and the Youth Society Movement aims to create modern, active youth leaders with knowledge, skills, and discipline,” the official policy document reads.
However, this announcement has stirred anger among many youth leaders who have served at village, district, and national levels. A protest organized by youth activists took place in Colombo on August 6, signaling growing resistance.
The Origins of the Youth Social Congress
The Sri Lanka Youth Social Congress was created after the establishment of the National Youth Services Council. It serves as a network of organizations giving youth a voice from the grassroots level up to national governance.
According to the official Sri Lanka Youth website, the movement began under the guidance of then-President J.R. Jayewardene. Its goal was to create a platform for youth to freely express their views to government and authorities.
The first youth club in Sri Lanka was formed on June 3, 1979, in Algama, Kegalle District, named ‘Nivahal’. The official inauguration of the Youth Clubs Federation took place on May 23, 1983, at the Bandaranaike Memorial International Conference Hall in Colombo. Sixteen years later, May 23 was declared National Youth Day.
The Federation’s flag features a young man and woman holding a bunch of paddy and a torch on an orange background, symbolizing unity and progress.
How It’s Organized
The Youth Clubs Federation operates in four key tiers: Grama Niladhari Division, Regional Boards, District Boards, and the National Board.
As of July 31, Deputy Minister Gunasekara said that Youth Clubs are active in 12,727 out of 14,002 Grama Niladhari Divisions across Sri Lanka.
Membership is open to youth between ages 15 and 29. Each club is governed by a nine-member executive committee, with oversight by a Youth Service Officer.
Legal and Institutional Recognition
The Federation is legally established under the Establishment and Registration of Youth Organizations Act No. 69 of 1979. It is also recognized as a charitable institution under the Inland Revenue Act No. 28 of 1979 and registered as a social service organization under the Voluntary Social Service Organizations Act No. 137 of 1980.
What Does It Do?
The Youth Societies aim to develop leadership, enhance sports and artistic talents, and promote national harmony. They offer youth parliament sessions, personality development training, job guidance, and international exchange opportunities. Through NYSCO Youth Cooperative Societies, members can also access youth-focused job and training programs.
Core Objectives
The main goal of the Youth Social Congress is to build a patriotic, morally upright, and development-oriented youth generation. The movement aims to unify youth across ethnic, religious, and political divides while encouraging participation in arts, science, culture, and environmental activities.
Voices from Within the Movement
Nuwan Dhanushka, a former National Board representative from Badulla District, shared his experience rising from a rural youth club to national representation.
“I joined the youth society in Imbulgoda, Hali-Ela, and gradually climbed the ranks to the National Council. If we are anywhere today, it is because of the youth social movement,” he said.
Now a political party organizer, Nuwan expressed concern over government interference in the structure of the Youth Clubs.
“The issue is not with restructuring, but doing so by ignoring the identity and voluntary spirit of existing youth. Talented youth at village level should be empowered not sidelined,” he added.
He emphasized how the movement gave rural youth exposure to opportunities that would have been otherwise unreachable.
“Without the Youth Service Council, many of us wouldn’t have even visited Colombo or known about the Maharagama Youth Council. It was this structure that opened doors,” he concluded.
As the Youth Society faces political reengineering, its future remains uncertain whether it will evolve into a tool for youth empowerment or a mechanism of political control will depend on how it is handled in the months ahead.
