Minister Prof. G.L. Peiris has discussed with Commonwealth Secretary General Kamalesh Sharma some broad ideas about how the Organization could develop a road map to meet the expectations of the large swath of humanity comprising the population of the Commonwealth.
They had this discussion at the Marlborough House in London today. The Minister is representing President Rajapaksa, Chair-in-Office of the Commonwealth at the Commonwealth day celebrations in London, including the Multi Faith Observance at Westminster Abbey.
The Minister said he had consulted several colleagues representing Commonwealth countries with regard to prioritised projects and activities for the next two years. He referred to the many initiatives endorsed by the Commonwealth Heads at their Summit in Sri Lanka in November last year.
The Minister laid stress on the overarching theme of the Sri Lanka Summit “Economic Growth with Social Equity” and discussed practical strategies for ensuring that the benefits of economic development are available to be shared by all sections of society, particularly among youth and in the rural sector. He made reference in this regard to the Colombo Declaration on Sustainable, Inclusive and Equitable Development.
On the Magampura Declaration of Commitment to Young People, there was a discussion about the grassroots project in Sri Lanka to harness the potential of youth in terms of employment opportunity and financial inclusion. This is a Project being developed by the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Skills Development with the Sri Lankan Federation of Chambers of Commerce. Preparations are well underway for the World Conference on Youth which will be held in Sri Lanka in May this year.
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