The programme was held during the weekend (30th and 31st August) with the participation of over 412 Youth Parliament members. It was jointly organized by the Sri Lanka Youth Council and the Youth Affairs and Skills Development Ministry.
"Reformation to the Social Youth Enterprise in accordance with the Contemporary Social Requirement is topical / not topical", was the topic debated during the tenth session.
Addressing the youth parliament Secretary Defence emphasized on the significance of sharpening individual leadership skills and putting it into practice for the development of the entire nation.
"Youth Parliament is vital in sharpening unseen leadership skills among youth while transforming them to face future challenges," Mr. Rajapaksa noted.
Further elaborating on the necessity to engage in extra - curricular activities he mentioned that sports and other leadership building programmes apart from the theory based education is essential. Not only in top management, but in every level there have to be right people with precise leadership qualities. He added.
Taking military leadership as an example Rajapaksa went on to say that, "real leaders would always lead ordinary men in the right path to accomplish their desired goals. "Inspirational study into the leadership qualities of great world leaders would immensely contribute to enhance the knowledge further" he added.
Speaking on the progressive leadership of President Mahinda Rajapaksa, Secretary Defence mentioned that, "To be a successful leader, you must have a vision embedded with a mission to achieve the expected future target." "That mission has to be monitored continuously and steered towards the goal" he noted.
He also said that "set goal should always be achievable, reasonable and beneficial to the society". "Similarly selecting the right people to achieve your set goal is one of the prime duties that anyone must do". He stated.
During the event Rajapaksa presented awards to several youth who had excelled at international athletic events, shot-putt and discus throwing during the event.
Parliamentarians including J R P Sooriyapperuma, A H M Azwer, Secretary to the Ministry of Law and Order Major General (Rtd) Nanda Mallawaarachchi, Secretary to the Ministry of Youth Affairs & Skills Development B Wijerathne, Military Liaison Officer of the Defence Ministry Maj. General (Rtd) Palitha Fernando, Chairman and the Director General of National Youth Services Council, Attorney at-Law Lalith Piyum Perera were also present on the occasion.(MoD/KH)
