Former Sri Lankan Tourism Minister Harin Fernando delivered a keynote address at the NavaDisha Global Dialogue on Justice and Reintegration, held at EMIR Business School in Karnataka, India, on October 23, highlighting youth empowerment, economic recovery and the importance of stronger India-Sri Lanka relations.
Speaking on the theme “Youth Crime Prevention and Rehabilitation – A Sustainable Future,” Fernando warned that growing youth frustration, unemployment and inequality could threaten social stability unless governments adopted more inclusive policies.
He stressed the importance of involving young people in decision-making, creating employment opportunities and reforming traditional rehabilitation systems to focus on mental health and well-being.
Fernando also highlighted India’s contribution to reviving Sri Lanka’s tourism industry following the country’s economic crisis and emphasised the importance of strengthening bilateral cooperation in tourism, investment, education and innovation.
He said both countries could work together to create opportunities for young entrepreneurs, share expertise and support long-term economic development.
Referring to Sri Lanka’s 2022 economic crisis, Fernando credited former President Ranil Wickremesinghe with restoring stability through economic reforms, securing an International Monetary Fund programme and rebuilding international confidence.
He said the former President had also entrusted several key ministries to younger political leaders during the recovery period.
Fernando acknowledged that difficult economic decisions could carry political consequences, but said democratic transitions were an important part of governance.
“Having done the hard work and handing over the baton democratically is the beauty of governance,” he said, expressing hope that Sri Lanka would continue progressing regardless of which political party was in power.
Addressing youth rehabilitation, Fernando called for greater emphasis on education, vocational training, employment and mental health support rather than relying solely on punitive measures.
He stressed that young people should be directly involved in designing policies intended to address their challenges.
During his visit to Bengaluru, often described as India’s Silicon Valley, Fernando also engaged with youth groups, emerging entrepreneurs and innovators, exploring opportunities for cooperation and knowledge-sharing between India and Sri Lanka.
He also held meetings with senior Indian political and healthcare figures, including Saleem Ahmed, Chairman of the Karnataka Legislative Council, and Dr. C. N. Manjunath, a BJP Member of India’s Parliament representing Bengaluru Rural.
Dr. Manjunath is a prominent cardiologist, Padma Shri awardee and the son-in-law of former Indian Prime Minister H. D. Deve Gowda.
He previously served as Director of the Sri Jayadeva Institute of Cardiovascular Sciences and Research, a major cardiac care institution that expanded to approximately 2,000 beds during his tenure.
Fernando described his meeting with Dr. Manjunath as productive.
The former Minister also met Dr. B. C. Bhagavan, Vice Chancellor of Rajiv Gandhi University of Health Sciences in Karnataka.
Concluding his keynote address, Fernando called for stronger cooperation between Sri Lanka, India and the Commonwealth to build a sustainable future for young people.
“Don’t burn the future because of the frustration of today — build it. Because no one else will build it for you,” he told the gathering. (Newswire)