Sri Lanka to motivate youth in policy reform

June 29, 2008 (LBO) - Sri Lanka is planning to recognize youth involved community development, in a bid to encourage young people to come forward and contribute to policy reform, an official said.









The Young Community Leaders (YCL) award scheme is organized by Sri Lanka's Banadaranaike Institute for International Studies (BCIS). The YCL awards which will be held in September is a joint project by BCIS, the ministry of youth affairs, the ministry of mass communication and the national youth council in Sri Lanka.

"We also hope that this particular award scheme will provide catalyst for further promotion of community work," Thusitha Tennakoon director BCIS said in an interview.

"Another objective is to give a platform for youth to voice their concerns at the national level and also to contribute in policy planning at development level."

High inflation, two-decade civil war and deteriorating economic conditions in the country have galvanized youth to conduct community development projects in their areas to increase their standard of living.

"It drives the youth to come out and do something for the nation and their community.

" Sri Lanka must therefore recognize talent and help th