OPPORTUNITY AND RECOGNITION FOR YOUTH TO RISE AND SHINE

■ The development of youth in Sri Lanka will contribute an amazingly high yield to the economic growth of the country

■ Encouragement should be provided to these young men and women by guiding them

■ The new generation has given priority to the wellbeing of humanity and nature

In the journey of finding hidden talents of Sri Lankan youth and their unsung contribution to the nation, Women in Management (WIM ) in partnership with National Youth Services Council (NYSC) has organised the ‘New Generation Awards’ for the 2nd consecutive year with the ceremony scheduled to be held on August 28 at Galadari Hotel. The awards ceremony will be held under the theme ‘Arise Shine’.

Youth make up almost a quarter of Sri Lanka’s population:4.64 million or 23.2 percent. Harnessing the power of youth in Sri Lanka in a sustainable development process will provide an inconceivable outcome in the long run. The development of youth in Sri Lanka will contribute an amazingly high yield to the economic growth of the country. By allowing these young adults to discover and develop skills-making them responsible and self-reliant and with proper mentoring-will not only make a flourishing future for them, but also ensure a long lasting and sustainable growth in the country.

Dr. Sulochana Segera, the founder of New Generation Awards, said “Today many complain and promote negative attitudes, which in return has caused actions of few youth leading them to a platform that neglects values. On the other hand the majority of youth who has values, positive attitudes and skills wrestle to discover a platform to brand themselves as Sri Lankan youth. Largely intelligent and creative Sri Lankan youth can easily be drawn into productive action by educating them about how meaningful and important their contribution is to the motherland.” said Segera.

She also mentioned that ‘Youth Empowerment’ and the Private Sector contribution in Sri Lanka are of paramount importance as they are capable of providing immeasurable opportunities to youth than the Government.

NYSC Chairman Damitha Wickaramasinghe said, “This is not a daunting task if leadership is given by a committed, dedicated and adequately clued-in team of experienced professionals.

Youth empowerment consists of interdependent dimensions such as psychological, economical, organisational and social aspects. An appropriate and prudent programme will provide the required motivation and awareness to youth. As a result, NYSC collaborated with WIM New Generation (NG) will organise the awards for the second consecutive year,” said Wickaramasinghe.

WIM NG Chapter Spokesman said “Judging of the nominees are ongoing. This time judges invited shortlisted nominees for physical and online interviews, so that nominees are able to explain their

stories, expectations, visions so judges are able to understand the attitudes of the nominees”.

Prof. (Dr.) Ravi Dissanayake said “Providing Sri Lankan youngsters with necessary information and resources in order to analyse issues that affect their lives, will assist them to become strong in decision making. They should be given the tools to engage by supporting them with brainstorming sessions which lead to finding answers. Encouragement should be provided to these young men and women by guiding them to use their passions and creativity, to bring attention to find purpose in life. During the interviews we met some incredible, talented and humble youth who are having clear visions and are ready to contribute to the motherland”.

Varuni Amungama Fernando added, “For a young person to succeed, it is vital to instill a method as well as a purpose. Without a plan in place, achieving a task is near impossible and there must be a purpose beyond that task, to make any achievement meaningful”.

Kasturi Chelleraja Wilson said, “During judging we noticed that youth are more focused on society impact than individual success. This is a positive value which our generation ignored yet the new generation has given priority to the wellbeing of humanity and nature”.

Sri Lanka is a country teeming in youth literacy, with a staggering rate of 98.7%, which should be looked at by relevant authorities in the administration to devise techniques, to utilize this valuable factor to enhance gross productivity.

Prof. (Dr.) Suranga Silva said “The Sri Lankan system of education, does not provide guidance at the proper time to select their careers at this crucial phase. Therefore, these youngsters who are at peak mental and physical point in life are either unaware or realising what is to be expected in their future.

This type of platforms will open opportunities for youth to explore in Private, Public, and society opportunities.”

This year’s panel of judges, chaired by Damitha Wickaramasinghe - Chairman National Youth Service Council together with a diversified team including Varuni Amunugama Fernando -Managing Director Triad Advertising Limited and the national TV channel Derana, Kasturi Chelleraja Wilson- Group CEO Hemas Holdings Plc, Director Zahara Ansary – Country Manager CIMA Sri Lanka, Dr. Ravi Dissanayake - Senior Lecturer, Department of Marketing Management, the Faculty of Commerce & Management Studies of the University of Kelaniya, (Prof) Dr. Suranaga De Silva – Director of CERIPA and Act Director at CUCEC at University of Colombo and Yasas Hewage – Marketer, Innovator & Entrepreneur.

WOMEN IN MANAGEMENT –

Since 2010 Women in Management (WIM) works to empower Sri Lankan career women and women entrepreneurs by connecting as well as bonding them by providing leadership along with guidance in nurturing their knowledge, skills by inspiring them to achieve their goals, so that they can act as

NATIONAL YOUTH SERVICES COUNCIL –

The existence of a multitalented, discipline and dynamic youth population in a country is always considered a treasure which helps development of the particular country. As such every country gives a special recognition for the country’s youth. Sri Lanka too places utmost importance on the country’s youth to achieve their ambitious development targets in social and economic spheres. Hence, Youth of Sri Lanka are also having an undertaking for economic and social upliftment of the country. It is important to inculcate self-reliance in youth by directing them towards winning over those goals. The NYSC has been established with the aim of guiding the Sri Lankan youth in the proper direction to enable them to empower themselves to the fullest potential while contributing to nation’s prosperity. The Youth Services Council was established by the Youth Services Council Act No.69 of 1979 giving the status of a fully pledged youth development organization.

Largely intelligent and creative Sri Lankan youth can easily be drawn into productive action by educating them about how meaningful and important their contribution is to the motherland