YOUTH FORUM
Compiled by Nicola Jayasundera
A VISION BEYOND CRISIS
Nusheli Jayamanna yearns to unlock Sri Lanka’s potential through youth
Q: What’s the good, the bad and the ugly in Sri Lanka?
A: The good is the country’s rich intricately woven culture and above all, its people. Sri Lankans are among the kindest and most hospitable you will meet. Despite recurring turmoil, they rise together with resilience, bridging differences of culture and creed.
The bad is widespread corruption that often goes unpunished with some politicians operating above the law. Worse still, it has been normalised to an extent that it’s accepted as part of everyday life.
And the ugly is the lingering shadow of colonisation. Centuries of foreign rule have left deep scars on the national psyche. Sri Lankans often look outward for validation or prioritise outsiders over their own, revealing an identity complex that has yet to heal.
Q: And what are the challenges facing the nation at this time?
A: Sri Lanka’s rebound from the economic crisis has been remarkable. However, the country remains heavily reliant on foreign loans, leaving it exposed to global shifts.
There is also an urgent need for a major system upgrade. Key government sectors remain two or three decades behind with outdated processes, underfunding and inefficiency becoming the norm.
Sri Lanka must move towards self-sufficiency and sustainably manage its abundant natural resources. Only then can we shift from survival to development and build a more resilient future.
Q: So what are the challenges facing young people in Sri Lanka today?
A: The biggest challenge is the mismatch between their skills and the needs of the job market. On one hand, we have a pool of unemployed young people and on the other, industries face a shortage of qualified labour.
Bridging this gap requires relevant, future ready skills to boost employment, reduce migration and brain drain, and retain the brightest talent.
Q: And how can our youth contribute to national progress?
A: Sri Lanka is home to some of the world’s most talented young people but their potential depends on the opportunities they receive.
To drive national progress, youth must step into governance, bringing fresh, modern solutions to outdated systems. When youth are empowered, they can become the future the country urgently needs.
To drive national progress, youth must step into governance, bringing fresh, modern solutions to outdated systems
Q: What type of leadership do you think the world needs right now?
A: The world needs humble leaders who enter politics to serve, not to be served.
They must be empathetic, adaptable and walk in step with the people they represent – true leadership is not about commanding but empowering. The best leaders earn respect, govern with integrity and pursue justice for all.
Q: How has the advent of AI and technology shaped your view of the future?
A: AI and technology have cast uncertainty over the future of jobs. It is no longer clear which roles will still exist in a decade or whether today’s skills will remain relevant in a few years from now.
Yet, this uncertainty is also a call to action. The future belongs not to those who resist change but those who embrace lifelong learning, adaptability and creativity – qualities that no machine can replicate.
Q: As a young person, what are your hopes for and concerns about the future?
A: My main concern is the growing global instability – wars, climate disasters, divisions and racism. Yet, instead of focussing on what matters, many remain distracted by their screens. Unless we pay attention and act now, we may be heading towards a dystopian future.
I hope for a world where people understand and respect one another and the environment, move beyond distractions and value the small meaningful things in life. That future remains possible if we choose awareness over distraction, compassion over indifference and action over apathy.
Q: And last but not least, if you could launch a project or movement in Sri Lanka, what would it be – and why?
A: I would launch a movement to bring more women into the workforce and politics.
Women make up 60 percent of university graduates in the country, yet only a fraction enter the workforce after graduation, largely due to patriarchal norms that confine them to domestic roles. This isn’t just a social issue but an economic conundrum.
Tapping into this underutilised talent could transform our economy and governance, where women’s voices remain strikingly absent. My movement would challenge outdated mindsets and empower women to lead… because Sri Lanka’s future depends on the full participation of all its people.
