The Hon. Eranga Gunasekara - Deputy Minister of Youth Affairs

¶ 01 Hon. Speaker, the response to the question under Standing Order 27(2) raised by the Hon. Leader of the Opposition is as follows:

¶ 02 01. Not accepted. No politicization has been done under Circular No. NYSC/2-11/25/01.

¶ 03 02. Youth Clubs are established island-wide engaging youth aged 15-29. Youth elected by the majority vote of youth are selected to Divisional and District Councils. This is a process based on elections among youth and is not founded on any political activity or bias.

¶ 04 03. Annual reorganization of Youth Club Federations is a routine process of the National Youth Services Council. Active Youth Clubs are reorganized, and inactive clubs are newly established. For a new year’s establishment/reorganization, authority is granted to Youth Services Officers through a circular issued by the Chairman/Director-General. Accordingly, in 2025 as well, reorganization of active Youth Clubs and establishment of new Youth Clubs in place of inactive ones have been carried out under circulars issued by the Chairman/Director-General.

¶ 05 04. Standing Orders for this process have been issued; they are subject to Council approval and further additions as necessary. The National Youth Services Council has issued the standing orders.

¶ 06 05. There is no order requiring a minimum of two years’ active membership to hold an executive post. This year’s circular provides broader opportunity for every youth to join the Youth Club movement. The rights to hold office are affirmed in line with the constitution and circulars.