However, anecdotal evidence suggests that young people appear to require external stimuli as they are not confident to initiate change under their own aegis. It therefore follows to propose a dedicated research programme which helps identify the parameters of non engagement and ways for building confidence and realising potential. Specifically, research which explains the obstacles and opportunities which confront young cohorts in contemporary Sri Lanka is likely to pinpoint measures which may help young people to apply their energy constructively.

Business initiatives for the young
In addition to ideas developed for stimulating greater entrepreneurship among the general public, existing research identifies a number of pointers which could benefit younger cohorts. Individual, future oriented entrepreneurial models to solve some of youth economic problems seem to be a logical option. This strongly suggests that new businesses are most likely to succeed if younger cohorts are given privileged access to the resources which help build SMEs. At the same time, while young people may be aware of their potential and ability to change things, they often lack the triggers that lead to concrete action.

* Educate young people about the importance of self-employment. I would like to advise policy makers to explore the possibility of targeting schools and tertiary education establishments with experienced figures from commerce as well as young successful entrepreneurs. In addition, an outline of the abilities and skills necessary for career in business could be discussed to help young people to gauge if they are likely to succeed. In addition, seminars for discussing concrete business ideas may complement this intervention.

Enhancements to marketable skills
In addition to education, there is a need to provide more occupational training and to increase the overall professional competence of young Sri Lankan citizens.

* Expand current endeavours of placing young people in industry for a limited period of time. This way, young people can learn skills which are likely to increase their employment potential. For companies such placements are a good opportunity for optimising their recruitment strategy. At the same time, seminars run by representatives of different industrial sectors could introduce young people to the required skills. This measure could complement industrial placements and establish direct contact between job seekers and hiring companies

Grants and loans to meet the auxiliary cost of education
The many young I have discussed such matters with, insist that access to tertiary and vocational training can be challenging because of the auxiliary cost such as subsistence, travel and materials.

* To this end it appears appropriate to support young people with grants and loans. However, it appears equally appropriate to make grants conditional on the completion of the course and above average achievement

Education abroad
Education abroad is often sought by young people. While it is not clear that exchange programmes will work in all instances, it may well be the case that placing young SL citizens in education programmes abroad is a viable alternative.

* Suggest placing SL students in other SARC universities and colleges for a period of one academic year

* Vocational training courses abroad could be operated in much the same way as academic placements

More room for the young in the media
Young people say they feel under represented in the media. Their specific concerns tend not to be addressed.

* It may prove mutually beneficial to invite SL media editors and representatives of youth organisations to a conference which would enhance awareness of youth specific themes and help editors to market their output to younger cohorts in a more efficient manner

Support for collective youth action at local level including political activity
Young people are largely outside of the political process. Young people especially have difficulty in identifying politics as a vehicle for realising their aspirations. Many of their political ideas are spontaneous and emotive rather than based on facts. At the same time the organisation of youth interests appears under developed. It is not inconceivable that greater social organisation of young people may stimulate their initiative and help them voice their concerns more effectively. Initially however, it appears that young cohorts would benefit from seminars in civic engagement.

* Recruit and train facilitators who visit local youth centres in order to stimulate and organise youth activity

* Run seminars in civic engagement. Such seminars could explain the political structure and actors of SL introduce participants to constitutional issues and discuss ways for young people to realise their aspirations through an involvement in the political process

* Explore the possibility of networking youth centres and similar organisations in order to provide an institutional framework for motivating the young. In addition, such endeavours may help proliferate activity and be an important contribution to both networking and social cohesion among the young