Young Professionals at the forefront of Change
At a time when a severe fear psychosis is at the realm of thought, word and deed, the Young Professionals Organisation (YPO) of the United National Party strives to create a platform to empower youth, to give courage and strength.
“We have to get the youth involved in all the political decisions and give them responsibility,” Harshana Rajakaruna, President, YPO stated.
GIVING STRENGTH TO THE FUNDAMENTAL RIGHT TO EXPRESS ONE’S SELF
A common problem that has been instilled due to the strength of the current regime is the fear to speak out loud. This is contrary to the basic fundamentals of a democracy. Democracy is defined as “one of the universal and indivisible core values and principles of the United Nations. It is based on the freely expressed will of people and closely linked to the rule of law and exercise of human rights and fundamental freedoms.” (http://www. un.org/en/globalissues/democracy/ democracy_and_un.shtml) The freedom of expression is a fundamental right, and the YPO promotes the inculcation of this amongst the youth of Sri Lanka.
JOINING HANDS TO MAKE THE RIGHT DECISIONS
Speaking about the objectives of the organisation, Harsha said, “We, the youth, are the ones who are going to take over in the next few years. In the coming three to four decades it is the young people that have to live in this country and deal with the decisions that are being made now. The youth must be gathered to put pressure on our present leadership to make the right decisions at opportune moments to ensure that we have a strong party to be carried forward into the future. We need the youth of this country to gather together to give the present government a good fight and to stand up to their various inefficiencies.”
THE NEED FOR AN ALTERNATIVE GOVERNMENT –FORUM FOR YOUNG PROFESSIONALS
In order to provide a platform for discussion, a series of forums entitled ‘The need for an alternative government’ have been organised in various parts of the island and in various media. The inaugural session was conducted on October 15 at the New Town Hall, Colombo 7. The panellists for the discussion are Chandra Jayaratne (former Chairman of the Ceylon Chamber of Commerce), Lal Wijenaike (Head of Rule of Law Committee of the Sri Lanka Bar Association), UNP Parliamentarians Eran Wickramaratne and Dr. Harsha de Silva.
The next session will be held in the Samara Banquet Hall, Gampaha, tomorrow November 29.The forum will be moderated by Harshana and panel discussions will be led by MPWijedasa Rajapaksa, MPEranWickramaratne and former Chief Justice Sarath Nanda Silva.
Areas such as challenges Sri Lanka is currently facing within the local and international sphere and why an alternative government would be essential for a brighter future will be continued to be discussed at the second forum too. Furthermore, Sri Lanka's economic, foreign and defence policies, issues related to corruption, nepotism, peace building and rule of law will also be addressed at the discussion.
“Always believe in yourself. Listen to the voice of your heart, trust your instincts. Know you can! See your own strengths, Dream! Dare! Face your fear! Have faith! Follow your vision! Anything is possible if only you believe.” Harsha urges the youth of the country as he invited them all to attend the forum on November 29, at 3.30 pm, at the Samara Banquet Hall in Gampaha.