Prime Minister Dr. Harini Amarasuriya stated that, for the first time in Sri Lanka’s history, women’s representation in the Youth Club National Youth Conference has increased, and emphasized that the country needs a new narrative on youth.
She made these remarks during a special meeting and open discussion organized by the Parliamentary Caucus for Youth, held today (August 19) in Parliament, according to the Prime Minister’s Media Division. The event was organized to coincide with International Youth Day, which fell on 12th of August .
The Prime Minister highlighted that women’s representation in the Youth Parliament had been very low in the past, but this year it has improved. She added that the same transformation seen in Parliament is now reflected across other sectors in the country.
Extending her best wishes to the newly appointed members of the Parliamentary Caucus for Youth, Dr. Amarasuriya said that history has often portrayed Sri Lankan youth in terms of violence, unrest, and tragedy. However, she stressed that the country now needs a new narrative—one that recognizes youth as a group entrusted with both unique opportunities and important responsibilities.
On this occasion, commemorative gifts were presented to 52 representatives of the Parliamentary Caucus for Youth.
The event was attended by Speaker Dr. Jagath Wickramarathna, Deputy Chairperson of Committees Ms. Hemali Weerasekara, Deputy Minister of Education and Higher Education Dr. Madhura Senewiratne, Deputy Minister of Youth Affairs Mr. Eranga Gunasekara, Director General of the Parliamentary Caucus for Youth Supun Wijerathna, Members of Parliament, and representatives of the Youth Club National Youth Conference.
