YMCA Batticaloa Participates in ‘Youth WeLanka’ Program to Strengthen Unity and Reconciliation
BATTICALOA, SRI LANKA – In a powerful step toward fostering intercommunal harmony and youth leadership, YMCA Batticaloa proudly participated in the Youth WeLanka program — a groundbreaking initiative aimed at uniting Sri Lankan youth across lines of social, political, and cultural difference.
Organized by Search for Common Ground, WeLanka is part of a nationwide movement that empowers young people to become champions of peace, mutual respect, and collective action in their own communities. Rooted in the principles of reconciliation and inclusive dialogue, the program brings together diverse youth from all regions of Sri Lanka to learn, share, and lead.
Breaking Barriers, Building Bridges
The WeLanka initiative specifically addresses the deep-rooted divisions left behind by decades of conflict and ongoing social prejudices. By creating safe, collaborative spaces for dialogue, the program encourages young leaders to transcend ethnic, religious, and political boundaries — forging new friendships and building trust through mutual understanding.
Through interactive workshops, collaborative problem-solving, and field visits, participants are equipped with essential skills in peacebuilding, leadership, and conflict sensitivity. YMCA Batticaloa, known for its deep commitment to community development and youth empowerment in the Eastern Province, played an active role in contributing to this mission.
A Voice from the East
Representatives from YMCA Batticaloa brought to the table the unique challenges and hopes of youth in the Eastern region, enriching the program with lived experience, cultural insight, and grassroots knowledge. Their contributions added depth to discussions around identity, inclusion, and the shared future of Sri Lanka’s diverse communities.
Empowering Change Agents
The program not only strengthens individual leadership but also encourages youth-led community initiatives to counter prejudice and promote common values. With a focus on empathy, unity, and active citizenship, WeLanka nurtures a generation of young Sri Lankans committed to transforming society from the ground up.
As a participating organization, YMCA Batticaloa reaffirms its commitment to national healing and youth engagement, continuing its mission to cultivate socially responsible, peace-oriented leaders for a more just and united Sri Lanka.
