Attempts by NPP politicians to seize control over district-level branches of the National Youth Services Council (NYSC) have sparked a widespread backlash from youth participants, with some ministers being booed at NYSC meetings.
Several recent Youth Society Conferences, organised by the NYSC, turned chaotic as young attendees protested against what they described as blatant political interference in a space meant for independent youth engagement.
The Gampaha District Youth Society Conference, held under the patronage of Deputy Minister Eranga Gunasekara, saw vocal opposition from participants. One young woman openly challenged the Minister’s assertion that previous youth society structures had been politicised. She insisted that past office-bearers had been appointed on the basis of merit and commitment, and warned that the youth would not allow their movement to be hijacked by political parties.
In Badulla, Minister Samantha Vidyaratne left an NYSC conference amidst protests after participants alleged that the newly appointed officials were from political families representing the ruling party.
There were further allegations that WhatsApp groups had been used to coercing members into nominating and voting for specific candidates with links to the NPP.
In Galle, journalists were barred from a NYSC meeting, triggering protests. A similar situation arose in Anuradhapura.
However, newly appointed officials claim that protests are orchestrated by disgruntled former office-bearers.
by Chaminda Silva