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World Conference on Youth in Colombo and Hambantota from May 6-10
View(s):The 2014 World Conference on Youth, themed “Mainstreaming Youth in the Post-2015 Development Agenda” will be held from May 6 to 10, in Colombo and Hambantota. The Outcome Document from this Conference would be an asset to change the opinion of UN agencies about the development process in Sri Lanka, a member of the International Youth Task Force (IYTF) said.
At a news conference held at the Mass Media and Information Ministry Auditorium, ‘Emerging Youth Leader 2011’ and IYTF member, Ajantham Sivathas said that the outcome of the conference would be a ‘Colombo Action Plan’. Youth Affairs and Skills Development Minister, Dullas Allahapperuma, Mass Media & Information Ministry Secretary, Charitha Herath, and Government Information Dept, Director General, Dr. Ariyaratne Athugala were present at the news briefing.
Mr. Sivathas said that an independent IYTF comprising representatives from international, regional and domestic levels, had been appointed to organise this international event.
Mr. Allahapperuma addressing the news conference said that, of the expected 159 countries, 121 have confirmed their participation for WCY, and their delegates are en route to Colombo. He added that heads of youth affairs of 28 countries were also expected to join the conference. The Minister said that South American countries have shown interest and had requested the Govt. of Sri Lanka to furnish them with the required documents to be a part of WYC. Yet, owing to visa and other issues, the government had to turn down several requests.
Mr. Herath said that the Information Ministry hoped to broadcast the conference via satellite to countries in Latin America and Europe with the support of domestic and international media agencies.