A new national youth engagement initiative titled “Read with Ranil” will be launched in Colombo next month, organisers from the Smart UNP Unit of the National Youth Front of the United National Party (UNP) announced.
According to organisers, the first edition of the initiative will focus on “The Current World Order” and is scheduled to be held on March 19, 2026 at 5.30 p.m. in Colombo.
UNP Deputy Secretary General Harin Fernando said the programme is designed to provide young Sri Lankans with an opportunity to engage in structured discussions and reflections on governance, economic reform, democratic institutions and national leadership.
He said the initiative will enable participants to draw on the decades of leadership, policy experience and nation-building insight of former President and UNP Leader Ranil Wickremesinghe.
“Through structured reading, dialogue and reflection, participants are encouraged to explore governance, economic reform, democratic institutions and the responsibilities of national leadership,” Fernando said.
He noted that “Read with Ranil” is not merely a discussion platform but a leadership development pathway aimed at cultivating informed, thoughtful and responsible young leaders who are prepared to contribute meaningfully to Sri Lanka’s future.
Participants will take part in guided reading sessions followed by dialogue, with discussions centred on policy and governance under four key pillars. Limited in-person seats will be available on a first-come, first-served basis, while others may join online. Interested applicants have been invited to submit their CVs through the official link, with shortlisted candidates to be contacted. The programme is organised by the Smart UNP Unit of the National Youth Front of the UNP to strengthen youth involvement in national policy discourse..(Newswire)
