I admire young people who are concerned with the affairs of their community and nation perhaps because I also became involved in struggle whist I was still at school.

Our nation is filled with tremendous energy of the youth. Whatever future we desire of, we must keep the youth at the centre. If we do this, we can surge ahead at an unmatchable pace!

An economically peaceful and prosperous Sri Lanka is the dream of youth of the nation. My message for the youth is to collectively work for an inclusively developed Sri Lanka.

I have met 18 million youth, and each wants to be unique.

Is he [youth] not the inventor and owner of the present, and sole hope of the future?

Young people must take it upon themselves to ensure that they receive the highest education possible so that they can represent us well in future as future leaders.