The UN Population Fund and National Youth Services Council have launched a nationwide initiative to equip young people with skills in early warning dissemination and crisis response, shifting focus toward prevention rather than post-disaster reaction.
Over 100 youth leaders from Sri Lanka's island-wide Youth Club network participated in a simulation-based training program titled 'The Resilience Lab: Local Youth Action in Crisis Response' held at the NYSC Auditorium in Maharagama on International Youth Day 2026. The initiative, organised by the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) in partnership with the National Youth Services Council (NYSC) and the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports, aims to transform how the country approaches disaster management by engaging young people in preparedness and mitigation efforts rather than focusing solely on post-disaster response.
The program drew lessons from recent natural disasters, particularly Cyclone Ditwah, which impacted 2.2 million people, caused over 600 deaths, and damaged approximately 115,000 homes. Participants engaged in realistic tabletop simulations covering multiple hazard scenarios including floods, landslides, and dengue outbreaks, practicing critical decision-making in emergency situations. The training emphasised the importance of reaching vulnerable populations such as pregnant women, elderly persons, and individuals with disabilities, while incorporating considerations related to sexual and reproductive health rights and gender perspectives into emergency response protocols.
According to 2024 census data, youth aged 15 to 29 comprise roughly 22 percent of Sri Lanka's population. The NYSC operates an extensive network of approximately 14,000 youth clubs reaching over 280,000 young individuals at the grassroots level. Officials highlighted that youth possess unique advantages as first responders and community mobilisers due to their energy, skills, and flexibility. The program was delivered with technical support from the Disaster Management Centre, Sri Lanka Red Cross Society, and the Family Planning Association of Sri Lanka.
