- Young persons weigh in on the situation in the country on International Youth Day
International Youth Day is observed annually on 12 August, with the objective of drawing attention to issues faced by youth. The theme this year, “Intergenerational solidarity: Creating a World for All Ages”, is aimed at amplifying the message that action is needed across all generations to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and leave no one behind.
The 2022 International Youth Day will also raise awareness on certain barriers to intergenerational solidarity, notably ageism, which impacts young and old persons, while having detrimental effects on society as a whole.
Brunch reached out to a few young adults to learn what they believe is their biggest challenge right now, and how it could impact their future.
The future is predictable
Christina Clogstoun, a student, noted that while the situation in the country has impacted everyone from all walks of life in various ways, it has left a lasting impact on students. Clogstoun is pursuing her higher education and pointed out that with all that’s going on, it has become increasingly difficult to keep a clear mind and focus on her studies.
“My mental health has taken a hit and I find it difficult to concentrate given all the other problems we have to face,” she noted. She also observed that with the curfews and fuel crisis, universities have barely been open and students are forced to attend online classes. “While this may work for some, others prefer physical lectures and learn better in person. There is no personalised touch to education anymore, and paying so much money for university is pointless – we might as well just learn off the internet,” she told us.
Even to attend online lectures, she explained that the constant power cuts are a major obstacle. “If we have lectures during a power cut, we have to move to an area that has power – and the lack of transport puts a wedge in that too,” she stated, questioning what they are supposed to do in such situations. In her opinion, the future of this country is grim – if students don’t obtain the education they need, who will lead the next generation?
In conversation with us, Sumaya Gunawardena, another student who also has a full-time job, also noted that her future is unpredictable.
“I’m taking it one day at a time. I don’t know what to do, or where this country is headed, all I can do is focus on each day as it comes, and try not to think too much of my long-term goals so I don’t spiral,” she told us.
She too finds it difficult to maintain a clear mind and is trying her best to stay mentally stable, lest she wind up with yet another problem that is out of her control.
Lack of laws and leadership
Radio host and music producer Achala Abeyerathne pointed out the sheer lack of leadership in our country that is plaguing the youth.
“The reason why we are all struggling is because the people in charge don’t do anything with us in mind. All of these issues that the country is facing impacts us the most as we are the people left to take over this country in the future,” he stated, asking: “If the youth are unable to even get an education, then what will happen to the country?”
He also pointed out that many young adults are choosing to study abroad, and most hope to get a job and reside there, as they see a better future for themselves and their future families in other countries. “Our future is bleak. If the people in power don’t start making immediate changes, there won’t be anyone left in this country,” he noted.
Karen Hapuarachchi, who works full-time, brought to attention the unfairness of the law. “The inequality in all things, such as sexism, homophobia, human rights violations and broken labour laws, is a real problem in this country,” she noted, charging that if we are faced with unfairness or injustice, then we are told to go to the Police, but our system is so corrupt that going to the Police is bound to lead to even more unfair treatment.
“In the instance something horrible happens – say we get mugged, beaten, or even raped on the street – when we go to the cops to report it, they will likely do to us the very crime we are there to report,” she complained, asserting that many tend to whitewash the Police, claiming them to simply be doing their duty, but so many more would come forward and attest to some form of abuse by our security forces.
“How is it that we, as a country, have normalised this? We joke about the cops and how useless they are, but nobody is doing anything about it, and we are just forced to constantly feel unsafe,” she expressed. She hopes for a better tomorrow, asking the powers-to-be to reform our archaic laws and place stronger laws that will actually protect the people, adding: “We can only pray for a day when Sri Lanka is finally rid of corruption.”
