On August 4, a productive and thought-provoking discussion was held with Dr. Kaushalya Ariyarathna, focusing on the vital theme of “Youth Engagement in the Government Policy-Making Process.” The conversation explored how young people can play a more meaningful role in shaping national priorities, contributing to democratic governance, and driving inclusive decision-making across all levels of government.
Dr. Ariyarathna emphasized the importance of empowering the next generation through education, leadership development, and participatory platforms that allow youth voices to be heard in both local and national policy frameworks. The discussion also highlighted challenges faced by youth—such as limited access to information, underrepresentation in formal institutions, and the need for policy literacy—to ensure their contributions translate into tangible policy outcomes.
The meeting provided an excellent opportunity to exchange ideas on establishing sustainable mechanisms for youth consultation in government projects, policy drafting, and social-development initiatives. It also reinforced the shared commitment to strengthening youth-led innovation and governance capacity building, aligning with national development goals and the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDG 16 – Peace, Justice & Strong Institutions).
This engagement marked another important milestone in our ongoing efforts to bridge the gap between youth leadership and public policy, fostering a generation that is informed, active, and equipped to build a more democratic and inclusive Sri Lanka.