Youth unemployment declines: Deputy Minister

Colombo, June 27 (Daily Mirror) - Youth unemployment has declined significantly over the past year, with the government creating new employment opportunities through the tourism and information technology sectors, as well as partnerships with the private sector, Deputy Minister of Youth Affairs Dinindu Saman Hennayake said.

Addressing the finals and awards ceremony of the Youth Spirit Sports Festival 2026 at the National Youth Corps Training Centre in Divulapitiya, the Deputy Minister said creating a better future for the country's youth remains one of the government's top priorities.

He said the government is also working to introduce formal youth leadership training programmes and promote sports and the arts to help young people stay away from drug abuse while fostering discipline and human values.

The Deputy Minister further announced plans to implement the "Wings to Dreams" programme for young creators and hold Sri Lanka's first National Youth Research Conference to develop data-driven youth policies.

The festival, organised by the National Youth Corps, featured competitions in archery, air rifle shooting, netball, kabaddi and volleyball, with trophies and certificates presented to the winning teams and coaches. The Northwestern Province emerged as the overall champions, while the Northern Province finished as runners-up.