President says timing of World Youth Conference in SL most appropriate

Tuesday, 6 May 2014 00:01 - - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}

President Mahinda Rajapaksa yesterday said the timing of World Youth Conference in Sri Lanka was most appropriate and its deliberations would make an important contribution to world strategies. In a message to mark the opening of WYC today, the President said: “This conference is held at a most appropriate time when Sri Lanka has crossed the threshold to peace and is progressing on the path of reconciliation and development where youth have a significant contribution to make.” “The peace that we cherish in Sri Lanka today follows three decades of armed conflict and terrorism, in which our youth faced much suffering, hardship and obstruction to progress,” he added. Noting that the National Policy of Sri Lanka states “this century belongs to the youth. It is the century of knowledge,” the President said: “This clearly shows the importance given to the progress of youth in the country, and the emphasis on listening to the voice of youth in the tasks of national development.” The President said in this new age of technological progress, especially with the advances in Information Technology, the youth of a country have increasing opportunities to go forward through innovation and create new opportunities for social advancement. “I note with great satisfaction the large number of youth participants at this event representing different countries and societies in a rich diversity of peoples and cultures. I am glad that the Sri Lankan delegation includes youth representatives from our indigenous communities and the differently-abled. Your deliberations will make an important contribution to world strategies on youth in the coming decades,” the President said. In his message, Rajapaksa extended a welcome to all foreign participants to Sri Lanka and expressed hpe they will enjoy the friendship and hospitality of Sri Lankan people. “I commend the contribution of many organisations and individuals to make this conference a success. I wish this World Youth Conference 2014 every success in the task of addressing the cause of youth and their wellbeing in the world today,” the President said.