About Us
The Ceylon Youth Movement (CYM) is a youth-driven social initiative dedicated to empowering Sri Lankan youth in all aspects of life. Since our inception in July 2015, we have been actively working to build a generation that is skilled, confident, and capable of shaping their future.
Sri Lanka is a country where young people have been affected by several youth uprisings and decades of conflict, and post-independence governments have rarely built national programs targeting youth. As a result, many talented young people were drawn into political extremism or armed activism — and today, many more leave the country in search of opportunity elsewhere, because they cannot identify a clear path forward at home.
We believe youth involvement is essential for the development of a country. It's our responsibility as young people to build a movement that engages with the people and institutions shaping our nation's decisions — through active programs and a structured, grassroots network across every community. Ceylon Youth Movement was founded to achieve exactly that.
Registered since July 2015 as Ceylon Development and Information Collective (GTE) LTD, registration no. GL 00229579, a guaranteed-limited non-profit company.
Vision
“A Young Country”
Mission
Achieve the youth life goals of Sri Lanka and lead the youth efficiently and effectively for parallel Sri Lankan development and social and cultural activities.
Empowering youth across key spheres
Youth Personal Life
The Ceylon Youth Movement (CYM) prioritizes holistic personal development to help youth navigate challenges and achieve life goals. Key initiatives include:
- Personality Development Programs — workshops in schools and vocational centers (e.g. Kavantissa Vocational Training Center) to build confidence, leadership, and emotional resilience.
- Psychological Counseling — free counseling sessions for adolescents, focusing on exam stress, emotional management, and mental health awareness.
- Drug Prevention Campaigns — awareness programs in rural and urban areas, such as the Modarawana Maha Vidyalaya initiative, to combat substance abuse.
- Life Goal Identification — platforms like the "Youth Life Goals Awareness Program" guide individuals in setting and pursuing meaningful aspirations.
CYM's "How I Feel" article series, published with the National Youth Corps, addresses adolescent struggles, fostering a supportive community for personal growth.
Educational Life
CYM bridges educational gaps and empowers youth through knowledge-sharing and resource provision:
- Infrastructure Support — donating computers, library equipment, and reestablishing IT units (e.g. Kirilipana Estate Computer Unit).
- Skill Development — vocational training, career guidance, and leadership programs for students in universities, NAITA institutes, and schools.
- Research Opportunities — collaborations with international academics (e.g. Prof. Nihal Perera) to pilot immersive learning methods and community schools.
- Higher Education Advocacy — campaigns to reform policies and increase youth participation in shaping educational frameworks.
Programs like the "Teen Life Programme" equip teenagers with basic life skills, while partnerships with institutions like the University of Colombo provide internships and research platforms.
Social Life
CYM fosters social responsibility and community engagement through:
- Children's Councils — activities like tree planting (Hambantota District) and motivational programs to empower young voices in decision-making.
- Community Development — rebuilding marginalized communities (e.g. Kirilipana Estate) via educational support, healthcare, and sustainable projects.
- Social Welfare — the "Community Kitchen" initiative feeds 100+ children daily in Pasgoda, alongside counseling for families in economic hardship.
- Cultural Preservation — promoting Sri Lankan traditions through youth-led cultural exchanges and awareness campaigns.
The "Magha Manawaka Movement" focuses on public space management, encouraging youth to take ownership of local environmental and social issues.
Youth Entrepreneurship
CYM drives economic empowerment by nurturing entrepreneurial talent:
- Ceylon Youth Business Network — a platform connecting young entrepreneurs with mentors, investors, and markets.
- Training Programs — workshops on agro-land reconstruction, digital marketing, and women-led enterprises (e.g. the "Never Give Up" series).
- Innovation Hubs — supporting tech-driven startups through the "Youth Research Farm" and invention competitions.
- Funding Access — crowdfunding campaigns and partnerships with INGOs to finance youth-led ventures.
Projects like the "Model Farm" in Anuradhapura demonstrate how agriculture can be modernized to align with global sustainability goals.
Youth Social Media & Digital Economy
CYM leverages digital tools to amplify youth voices and drive economic opportunities:
- Online Education — YouTube channels ("Youth Matters," "Psychology & Counseling") with videos on career guidance, mental health, and cultural topics.
- Social Media Campaigns — awareness drives on Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok.
- Digital Entrepreneurship — training youth in e-commerce, content creation, and crowdfunding to tap into the gig economy.
- Global Networking — webinar series connecting diaspora youth with local opportunities.
CYM's "Ceylon Youth Voice" digital magazine and interactive blogs serve as hubs for knowledge-sharing, while partnerships with MPs and academics foster policy advocacy.
Our strategic goals
Empower Youth Leadership
Fostering thoughtful leadership across Sri Lanka.
Educational Initiatives
Shaping future leaders for national development.
Workforce Enhancement
Boosting youth economic participation.
Holistic Development
Comprehensive personality enhancement programs.
Community Engagement
Youth contributions to social initiatives.
Sustainable Living Standards
Improving youth welfare through sustainable means.
Global Networking
Connecting Sri Lankan youth internationally.
Family Support
Strengthening family systems for youth development.
Transparency & Accountability
We believe in being open about how we operate. The documents below are shared publicly for anyone who'd like to review them.
Our Team
Passionate, dedicated, and visionary people from diverse professional backgrounds, collaborating on youth development, leadership, and cultural engagement.
Samadhi Mahanada
Founder
Rashmila Vidulani Bandara
Fundraiser
Rense Volmerink
Director of Volunteer Global Network
Lahiru Weerasuriya
Director of National Organizing
Ashinsana Charundi Senadeera
Coordinator of Training and Development