Former President Ranil Wickremesinghe has expressed concern over current disputes within the Youth Society Movement, warning that prolonged unrest could lead to its decline.
Recalling that he initiated the programme nearly four decades ago to develop skills and opportunities for rural youth in arts, recreation, and other fields, Wickremesinghe said it had grown into the country’s leading youth organisation, with many members now active in politics and business.
He noted that recent amendments proposed to the organisation’s constitution had sparked protests nationwide, with some alleging the changes were aimed at politicising the movement. “If this continues, the Youth Society Movement will deteriorate,” he cautioned.
Wickremesinghe urged the current leadership and protesting former members to hold discussions and reach a consensus, stressing that the movement should never be used for political purposes. Failure to resolve the dispute, he warned, could open the door for political parties to interfere, threatening the movement’s survival. (Islandnews)
