President Ranil Wickremesinghe has announced a bold initiative to involve Generation Z in the governance process, with the goal of preparing them to take on future leadership roles in Sri Lanka. Speaking at the “Puluwan Sri Lanka” National Youth Conference held at the Maharagama Youth Service Council on August 30, the President emphasized the importance of integrating the perspectives of the younger generation into the country’s governance.
As part of this initiative, the President unveiled the “Gen Z Dialogue” program, which will be facilitated by the National Youth Service Council. This program will establish youth centers at various levels—national, provincial, district, and regional—to foster dialogue and ensure that the voices of the younger generation are heard in policy-making.
Highlighting the critical role that today’s youth will play in shaping the future of the country, President Wickremesinghe pledged to equip Generation Z with the necessary digital skills and tools to succeed in an increasingly technological world. He outlined plans to provide training in digital marketing, freelancing, and other commercial activities, opening up new avenues for income generation and economic participation for the youth.
In addition to economic empowerment, the President also stressed the importance of fostering a robust economy that supports modern agricultural practices and environmentally-friendly tourism. These initiatives, he believes, will create an environment conducive to youth employment and entrepreneurship.
A key component of the President’s plan is to encourage greater youth representation in the political arena. To this end, he announced the establishment of a Youth Parliamentary Advisory Office, which will be tasked with enhancing the political knowledge and engagement of the younger generation.
“My goal is to empower Generation Z to become a capable group ready to take on the leadership of this country,” President Wickremesinghe stated, expressing his vision of nurturing a generation of confident and prepared young leaders. He noted that the “Puluwan Sri Lanka” program has revitalized the hopes of the youth, which had been diminished in previous years.
President Wickremesinghe concluded his address by reaffirming his commitment to creating an environment that enables young people to step into leadership roles without hesitation, ensuring that the future of Sri Lanka is in capable hands.
