August 31, Colombo (LNW): President Ranil Wickremesinghe has introduced the “Gen Z Dialogue” initiative to incorporate the perspectives of the younger generation into Sri Lanka’s governance process. Speaking at the “Puluwan Sri Lanka” National Youth Conference held at the Maharagama Youth Service Council on August 30, the President announced that the National Youth Service Council would be responsible for establishing youth centers at the national, provincial, district, and regional levels to facilitate these dialogues.
He emphasized that the nation’s future lies with the youth and pledged to provide them with the digital skills needed to excel in a rapidly advancing technological world. The initiative will focus on training in digital marketing, freelancing, and offering free services to clients to create new income opportunities. Plans also include training programs in commercial activities.
The President highlighted that a strong economy could help develop a modern agricultural culture and promote eco-friendly tourism, creating job opportunities and encouraging youth entrepreneurship. He further committed to fostering youth participation in politics by establishing a Youth Parliamentary Advisory Office to enhance political knowledge.
Expressing his vision to develop Generation Z into a group ready to assume leadership roles in the country, President Wickremesinghe stated that the hopes of the youth, which were lost in 2015 and 2020, have been revitalized through the “Puluwan Sri Lanka” program.
“My goal is to empower Generation Z to become a capable group ready to take on the leadership of this country. If there is a need for someone to lead, there should be no hesitation,” he said, emphasizing his aim to cultivate a confident generation ready to lead the nation without fear.
