The Intersection of Youth and Politics in Sri Lanka

Sri Lanka, an island nation with a population of 22 million, finds itself at a crucial juncture where political transformation is being fueled by a new generation. Its political journey has been shaped by colonialism, ethnic strife, and the transition to democracy, all of which have created a complex backdrop against which today’s youth-driven movements for change are emerging. Youth engagement in Sri Lankan politics has moved beyond a peripheral activity to become a vital force, reflecting the demands, frustrations, and aspirations of a generation that is eager for reform and transparency.

These youth activists are challenging outdated systems and calling for accountability in governance, mirroring a global pattern of youth rejecting traditional political structures. The country has a young population, with around 23% aged between 15 and 29, and their political involvement is increasingly impactful. They are not only vocal about issues such as corruption, economic instability, and governance but are also cognizant of their power to catalyze change.

Since gaining independence from Britain in 1948, Sri Lanka has maintained a parliamentary democracy. However, deep-seated ethnic tensions between the Sinhalese majority and Tamil minority, exacerbated by political favoritism and socio-economic inequalities, led to a violent civil war lasting nearly three decades. This conflict, which concluded in 2009, left enduring scars on Sri Lanka’s political landscape, contributing to distrust and disenfranchisement, particularly among younger generations.

Platforms like Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram have given young Sri Lankans a platform to express their political views, organize protests, and drive movements. A defining example of this was the #GotaGoHome campaign in 2022, which gained both national and international attention.

 Although peace was achieved, Sri Lanka has continued to grapple with political corruption, ineffective governance, and a fragile economy, highlighted by the 2022 economic crisis that spurred unprecedented protests across the country. For decades, Sri Lanka’s political landscape has been dominated by influential families and elites, often sidelining marginalized voices, including those of young people. This entrenched elitism has presented barriers to fresh ideas and the rise of young political leaders. Nonetheless, widespread discontent among youth over the years has set the stage for real political change.

The active involvement of Sri Lankan youth in politics is more than just a reaction to frustration; it is a response to challenges unique to their generation. Youth unemployment in Sri Lanka, estimated by the UNDP to be over 21%, significantly exceeds the national average of about 5%. The growing gap between educational achievements and employment opportunities has worsened this problem, pushing many young people to seek better futures abroad. Additionally, the lack of sufficient representation in politics has compounded feelings of exclusion among young people, leaving them on the periphery of decision-making processes that directly impact their lives.

In addition to participating in demonstrations, youth organizations and community groups have started to provide forums for discussing political issues and creating solutions.

In this age of digital connectivity, social media has become a powerful tool for political engagement, especially among youth, and Sri Lanka is no exception. Platforms like Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram have given young Sri Lankans a platform to express their political views, organize protests, and drive movements. A defining example of this was the #GotaGoHome campaign in 2022, which gained both national and international attention. The movement, largely initiated by young people, was a response to then-President Gotabaya Rajapaksa’s administration, which was widely blamed for an economic crisis that led to fuel shortages, food insecurity, and high inflation. What began as a small protest grew into a nationwide call for systemic change, with social media serving as the main channel for coordination and outreach.

Shalitha, a 24-year-old university graduate, became one of the prominent faces of this movement. Previously uninvolved in politics, Shalitha felt compelled to act during the economic crisis, joining protests in Colombo and eventually emerging as a leader within the youth movement. “We felt like there was no future for us, with no jobs and no stability. We had to take matters into our own hands,” Shalitha recounted. His leadership motivated thousands of young people to join the cause, transforming the protests into a powerful demonstration of youth agency in Sri Lanka’s political history.

By challenging the dominance of political elites, young Sri Lankans are paving the way for a more democratic and fair political system. Their increased participation in political processes—from grassroots movements to voting—demonstrates a collective drive to reshape their nation.

While protests and online campaigns have been critical, voter participation remains fundamental to any democracy. In Sri Lanka, the legal voting age is 18, and youth voter turnout during the 2020 parliamentary elections was notably higher than in previous elections. This shift reflects a growing awareness among young people of the power of their vote and their desire to influence the country’s direction. However, the journey towards complete youth engagement is far from straightforward. According to a study by Transparency International Sri Lanka, nearly 45% of young people still perceive politics as corrupt and remain disillusioned by the lack of meaningful change. The challenge for these young citizens is to bridge the gap between activism and sustained political engagement.

Despite these barriers, the resilience of young people in Sri Lanka continues to drive change. In addition to participating in demonstrations, youth organizations and community groups have started to provide forums for discussing political issues and creating solutions. This new wave of youth involvement is challenging the status quo, demanding that leaders be held accountable, and aiming to create a political environment that prioritizes transparency, inclusivity, and responsiveness.

One of the most significant indicators of the growing influence of youth in Sri Lankan politics is their focus on addressing deep-rooted issues of governance. By challenging the dominance of political elites, young Sri Lankans are paving the way for a more democratic and fair political system. Their increased participation in political processes—from grassroots movements to voting—demonstrates a collective drive to reshape their nation. For a country with a long history of political turbulence, the proactive role of youth is a promising development.

To conclude, Sri Lanka’s youth are redefining the country’s political landscape at a pivotal moment. With a legacy marked by colonialism, ethnic strife, and democratic revolution, the country’s young population is stepping forward to demand accountability, justice, and transparency in governance. Although their journey is met with obstacles—ranging from high unemployment rates to political disillusionment—the commitment of Sri Lanka’s youth to social and political change reflects a powerful movement that is here to stay. The question now is not if young people will shape the future of Sri Lanka, but rather how they will continue to transform the country. The energy and resolve of these young activists are a testament to the potential for meaningful change as they work toward building a brighter, more inclusive, and democratic future.