The Human Rights Commission of Sri Lanka is inviting applications for a six-day residential youth camp scheduled for late October, designed to develop young leaders equipped to address contemporary human rights challenges.

The Human Rights Commission of Sri Lanka (HRCSL) has announced an open call for participants in its 2026 Youth Camp on Human Rights and Social Responsibility, which will run from October 26 to 31. The programme aims to bring together 55 young people aged 18 to 29 from across all 25 administrative districts of the country to foster leadership skills and civic engagement.

The residential camp will combine various learning methodologies, including interactive sessions, leadership training, group discussions, simulations and practical exercises. Participants will also engage in community activity planning and team-building initiatives throughout the six days. The curriculum will address core themes such as human rights, integrity, accountability, equality, non-discrimination and democratic participation, alongside pressing social issues including drug abuse, corruption, cybercrime, misinformation, hate speech, violence and mental health challenges.

The HRCSL has set specific eligibility criteria for applicants, requiring them to be between 18 and 29 years old with proficiency in Sinhala, Tamil or English. Candidates must demonstrate genuine interest in human rights and leadership development, commit to attending the entire programme, and maintain affiliation with a youth group or organisation through which they can promote human rights activities post-camp. The selection process will prioritise diversity, with two participants chosen from each district and five additional spots reserved for persons with disabilities and members of marginalised communities.

The Commission will provide residential facilities during the camp, and will reimburse eligible transportation costs for participants who complete the full programme. Interested candidates should submit applications by August 31 to hrcsl.youthcamp@gmail.com, with further details available from the Education and Special Programmes Division at 011-2505569.