Nil Balakaya - a forum for youth with political aspirations

by Asangi JAYASINGHE

Another Presidential election is round the corner. The country is facing the first election after winning the three-decade war with terrorists. The process of rebuilding this great nation has now begun and many right-thinking individuals who love this country want to contribute to this process in their own way.

A new pressure group has come up with the intention of uniting youth who love this country to come forward for a brighter future for this nation. Pium Perera, Attorney-at Law, a key representative of Nil Balakaya explained the purpose of setting up of Nil Balakaya (Blue Brigade) and its future plans in an exclusive interview with the Sunday Observer .

Q: Can you tell me about your organization?

A: Nil Balakaya or the Blue Brigade is an organisation committed to unite, develop and nurture the youth of Sri Lanka together in the name of peace.

It is a platform for the younger generation to come forward and voice their political opinions. We have youth from all walks of life, irrespective of party politics, geographical location, economic differences, religion or race supporting us. We have all go together as we believe the need of the hour is to support President Mahinda Rajapaksa, who defeated terrorists and at the same time developed the country tremendously within four years. We believe under his leadership Sri Lankan youths will have a brighter future.

Q: You mentioned Nil Balakaya mission is to unite, develop and narture the youth of Sri Lanka. How does your organisation propose to achieve this?

A: We have already managed to unite youth from various backgrounds. In fact we have youth from different political parties supporting this movement. They despise their political leaders and all strongly believe a straightforward leadership is necessary to build a country. Hence, the movement's short term plan is to support President Mahinda Rajapaksa in this election, who delivered what he promised four years ago. They do not want to change the President who has done a great deal for this country.

Around 80 percent of University students have already rallied behind us. Youths and right minded individuals believe this is not a time to create further uncertainty in this country. There was one major task the public expected from the incumbent President. People wanted the President to eradicate terrorism in the country. The Government of Sri Lanka and the President delivered that and now we are living in a peaceful country.

Not only was terrorism ended, but the country is also on the path to prosperity with the development plans under the leadership of President Mahinda Rajapaksa. The youth in the country have faith that President Rajapaksa has what it takes to make this nation, a better place for all its citizens.

They know the government is taking all measures to provide youth with equal opportunities to develop themselves. Hence, with the organisations chairman Namal Rajapaksa we are conducting door to door campaigns in all districts to get the President re-elected to serve this nation for a brighter future.

Well, our long term plan is to see a fully develop Sri Lanka by 2030. There are separate plans for each district to achieve this status. Also we want Sri Lankan youth to be active in politics. We can't deny politics. This is a platform for all the youths who have a talent to serve mother Lanka.

The name blue is the colour of wisdom. We call upon people with wisdom to join us and share their knowledge and expertise to rebuild this great nation which has suffered three decades of war.

Q: You mentioned this is a platform for the younger generation to come forward and voice their political opinions. Yet, we know many young people, especially educated, young professionals who love this country, shy away from politics as many consider politics a dirty game and many are fed up with its corrupt system. How do you propose to get their support?

A: Well you cannot change a system, unless you get involved in it. This is why we say this is a platform for right-minded people and talented youth to come forward and voice their opinions.

We will educate youth regarding their rights and what kind of role they can play for their country.

The Nil Balakaya is already backed by many young, educated professionals. As I mentioned before we have 80 percent of university students supporting this movement. Previously, many University students were dictated by political parties such as the JVP and the independent young students did not have a proper forum to show their political aspirations.

We want to change that and we invite right-minded people to join us and become a pressure group to have a better future for Sri Lanka.

Q: What do you think is the role of youth in National development?

A: Youth have to understand their duties, rights and get the correct attitudes. We have to remember, it is the youth who took the lead in the battle against terrorism. Now the war again terrorism is over and the task of rebuilding the nation has begun.

To serve the country and develop the nation, they have to first develop their skills, gain knowledge and have the right attitude. The right attitude is essential as that is what makes them take the opportunities they are provided with to develop themselves. Above all they have to understand how important they are. They are the future of this country.

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May there be a shower of betel

Hats off to Mr. Mahinda Rajapaksa

Who with intuition and initiative

But with no hypocrisy

Eradicated the horrible

Carnage with terrifying frequency

He rescued us from fear of war

He prevented the historic disaster going to be

occurred by changing the entire world

History, world map as well.

Worship him first, second and third

As he emphatically said to the Motherland.

Let there be no satisfaction

To a triumphant enemy

Dreaming of unattainable desires

With the dawn of the 26th instant

May there be a shower of betel

On to each palm reminding of

GOODWILL and GRATITUDE!

Sunethra Attanayake

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