Former President Ranil Wickremesinghe says that the youth clubs of this country should not be used for political activities. He said this in a special statement today (10).
The former President, who expressed his views on the politicization of youth clubs and the internal conflicts that exist between them, presented a proposal to alleviate this situation.
Accordingly, he emphasized that the Minister should discuss with both the former and current officials and take action that can be agreed upon by both parties and provide a positive solution to the problem.
The former President further said:
“I started youth clubs about forty years ago at the request of the youth of Sri Lanka. The main thing I hoped for was to develop the talents and abilities of the youth through the youth clubs, which would be a place where the youth of the village would gather for hobbies, art, and other activities. That thing has been very successful. At present, young people are participating in various fields of society.
In these forty years, youth clubs have become the main youth movement in this country. Some people who have come forward from youth clubs have entered politics. Some are in businesses. All of these people also support the progress of that program.
A big question has recently arisen regarding the amendments proposed by the Minister to the constitution. Protests are being held everywhere.
The national conference is currently being held. According to my information, protests are going to be held even after that. If this continues, the youth club movement will decline. Those who are protesting that the relevant amendments have been brought to politicize youth clubs Says. This issue should be resolved without taking it too far.
I think that we should discuss with the former group of officers who are agitating like this as well as the representatives of the current district organizations and work to provide a solution that satisfies everyone.
We all should know that the youth of this country are not being used for social politics. That is a task that the Minister and these two groups can do together. If that task is not done, these protests will become a political issue. Then political parties can also enter into these. If that happens, this youth social movement will disappear. I want to protect this youth social movement. That is why I decided to give you this short message.