Rebuilding Young Workers' Hope: YCW Sri Lanka's Journey Towards Empowerment and Change

By Brian Geronimo

The field mission to Sri Lanka by the International Secretariat and ASPAC Team in 2024 served as a pivotal step in rebuilding and strengthening YCW Sri Lanka. Following its designation as a priority country during the International Team Meeting in Brussels in June 2024, the visit aimed to assess the progress of the rebuilding plan initiated in 2023, guide new projects, and prepare for upcoming international events, including the YCW Centenary 2025 and the International Council 2026. Despite challenges such as inclement weather and scheduling conflicts, the mission achieved significant progress in reconnecting with base groups, developing action plans, and addressing pressing social and economic issues faced by young people in Sri Lanka.

The situation in Sri Lanka

In 2024, Sri Lanka faced a fragile economic recovery following its worst financial crisis in decades. Rising prices, low wages, and high unemployment continued to burden the population, particularly marginalized groups such as women and informal workers. The newly elected president, Anura Kumara Dissanayake, promised economic reforms but faced the challenge of addressing structural inequalities. Additionally, climate change exacerbated vulnerabilities, with extreme weather events affecting agriculture and livelihoods. Amidst these challenges, young people in Sri Lanka aspire to secure decent jobs, sustainable incomes, and better living conditions.

Key issues included economic challenges: low wages, informal employment, and limited access to social protection, despite the introduction of a National Minimum Wage and a National Social Protection Policy; climate impact: rising temperatures, floods, and droughts disrupting agriculture and livelihoods; gender inequalities: women’s low labor force participation, wage disparities, and unpaid care work.

Base group visits

Avisawella base group – This community, reliant on rubber production, faces declining incomes due to changing weather patterns and limited government support. A new YCW group is being formed with the help of former YCW leader Dilrukshan Rodrigo. Two young contacts, Piumi (16) and Harshana (30), have shown interest in organizing a base group and mobilizing local youth.

St. Anthony’s Church, Batagama base group – A meeting with Fr. Lakfriya highlighted the importance of adult YCW support in guiding young leaders. He emphasized the need for financial assistance, space for activities, and a focus on women’s empowerment. Plans were made to organize a seminar on women’s empowerment in January 2025.

Delathura, Ja-Ela base group – This base group consists of 11 contacts, primarily factory workers, students, and informal workers. Members shared experiences of workplace exploitation, including long hours and lack of benefits. The group remains motivated to organize and address these issues collectively.

Negombo base group – A meeting with former YCW leader Virgini focused on rebuilding efforts in this fishing community. Access to quality education and the prevalence of drug addiction among youth were identified as major challenges. Virgini committed to helping organize a base group by engaging young fishermen and workers in fish-drying fields.

Kalaeliya base group – This locality is an active hub for YCW activities, with 12 contacts engaged in meetings and training. Core member Aruna and Punya leads efforts to address skill mismatches among youth, emphasizing the need for free education and vocational training.

Execution of the action plans

Skill development and livelihoods: YCW Sri Lanka partnered with the Wattala Vidatha Resource Center to provide technical skills training, livelihood support, and marketing opportunities for young workers. Proposed programs include short vocational courses to help youth start small businesses, access to tools and equipment for livelihood activities, and exhibitions to promote locally produced goods.

Youth exchange programs: Exposure visits allowed young people to learn about the realities of garment and rubber factory workers. Participants gained hands-on experience in dressmaking and observed hazardous working conditions in rubber production, fostering critical thinking about workplace rights and safety.

Training: Core teams received training on organizing base groups using the See-Judge-Act methodology. Emphasis was placed on developing situational analysis, creating action plans, and fostering leadership within base groups.

Youth exchange: Young workers and students from various regions participated in exchanges to share experiences and build solidarity. Common challenges such as low wages, job insecurity, and unstable incomes were discussed. Participants emphasized the importance of collective action to address these issues.

Reality sharing: Young people shared testimonies about their struggles, aspirations, and the impact of YCW in empowering them to take action. Former YCW members reflected on the movement’s transformative role in their lives, inspiring current members to continue advocating for change.

Achievements and future plans

Rebuilding base groups: Significant progress was made in reconnecting with young workers in Avisawella, Negombo, Delathura, and Kalaeliya. While many base groups remain in the initiation stage, consistent engagement and formation activities are building momentum.

Partnerships and support: Collaboration with local institutions, such as the Vidatha Resource Center and St. Anthony’s Church, has strengthened the movement’s capacity to address youth challenges.

Centenary and International Council preparation: The mission laid the groundwork for YCW Sri Lanka’s participation in the YCW Centenary and International Council, providing a platform for young workers to reflect on their realities and celebrate the movement’s legacy.

Empowering women and addressing inequality: Plans to organize women’s empowerment seminars and publish advocacy materials aim to amplify the voices of marginalized groups and inspire broader participation.

Conclusion

The field mission to Sri Lanka demonstrated the resilience and determination of YCW Sri Lanka to rebuild and strengthen its base. Through collaborative efforts, skill development programs, and continued support from the International Secretariat and ASPAC Team, the movement is well-positioned to empower young workers, address systemic challenges, and create a brighter future for youth in Sri Lanka. The mission’s achievements highlight the transformative power of solidarity, action, and leadership within the YCW movement.