The Ministry of Sports and Youth Affairs and the National Youth Services Council (NYSC), launched a new initiative: the formation of Youth Clubs in every Divisional Secretariat across the island.
State Minister of Youth Affairs Eranga Gunasekara said the program aims to cultivate a new generation of critically thinking, environmentally conscious, and civically responsible young leaders.
“For too long, youth development in Sri Lanka was seen only through the lens of academic achievement,” said Minister Gunasekara adding, “But we believe the youth must be moulded for the future — with vision, civic responsibility, and a sense of harmonious nationalism.”
The first step of this initiative is to establish at least one Youth Club in every Grama Niladhari Division — an outreach that will result in over 14,000 grassroots-level clubs. These clubs will serve as vibrant hubs for community-building, civic education, and personal development. Young people aged 15–29 will be eligible to join.
These grassroots clubs will then elect representatives to Divisional-level Federations (upto July 15), followed by District Federations (July 1 – 30), culminating in a National Youth Federation to be inaugurated on August 12 on International Youth Day, at the Sugathadasa Indoor Stadium.
“This will be the largest voluntary youth movement in Sri Lanka’s history,” said NYSC Chairman and Director General, Supun Wijeyrathne adding, “It marks a turning point in how we view and empower our young citizens.”
Opportunities
The Youth Clubs will offer members a range of developmental opportunities: workshops, career guidance, skills training, and even chances to participate in international exchanges. More importantly, they serve as platforms for young people to engage in governance —starting at the village level and potentially reaching national and even global forums.
Members will gain the chance to lobby the state directly, said Minister Gunasekara. “This is youth empowerment in action.”
A New Chapter for National Youth Day
To mark the legacy of the first National Youth Conference held on May 23, 1983, this year’s launch of the Youth Clubs aligns with a renewed vision for youth development.
Open University Lecturer and NYSC Board Director, Prof. Selvaraj outlined the deeper purpose of the initiative. “Youth life should not be confined to academics. It must be balanced with social involvement and civic responsibility. The NYSC is determined to fulfil this goal by establishing Youth Clubs.”
Each division will be assigned a dedicated Youth Officer to ensure smooth implementation, engagement, and sustainability of the program.
The launch is due to take place on June 23.
