ICY Seminar 2011 on Economic Justice

Opening Ceremony

“Thirst for Peace” Internationally Committed Youth Seminar 2011 was held from 8 to 11 October, 2011 at God’s Little Acre – Moratuwa. Focus of this year’s seminar was Economic Justice which is an important aspect when we talk about world peace in today’s context. 30 youth gathered for this important event representing Pamunugama, Hendala, Moratuwa, Negombo, Rambukkana, Kenya and Norway. Unfortunately we could not have our partners from ICY Oslo at this year’s seminar due to practical travel problems. But having 4 international participants from the goCY programme still made the seminar and international experience. Mr. Lakshan Dias the NGS of the NCYSL and his wife as well as Mr. Santha Fernando an executive Committee member of the NCYSL and his wife joined the opening ceremony and shared their thoughts on the programme. Mr. Dias addressing the group challenged to bring up the idea of economic justice to the National level through Executive Committee of the NCYSL for future interventions at a National Level.

Rev Fr. Sarath during his session

Programme commenced with a biblical reflection on understanding poverty and individual responsibility. Session was led by Rev. Fr. Sarath Iddamalgoda a Justice and Peace activist. Rev Sarath emphasized that poverty is not something that God has given and it should not be the destiny of anyone. He further mentioned that it is not the will of god.  

Mr. Santha Fernando another human rights activist facilitated a session on Poverty and Development in the Sri Lankan context. During the session group had case studies on 4 major issues related economic justice in Sri Lanka. They were “up-coming tourism, Hedging Agreement, plight of state workers and decreasing the value of US Dollar by the Central Bank of Sri Lanka”. Youth got the chance to discuss in depth on the cases and came up with a good analysis at the end.

"Trade Game"

On the next day group played game called “Trade game” which is specially designed to understand the dynamics of international economics. Groups went into groups according to the countries given to them and they had to deal with World Bank, UN and Global Visa office during the play (game). During the game they were able to realize the differences between countries when it comes to international economy.

Following the Trade Game Mr. Chamira Perera a lecture at Jayawardenapura University led an academic session on World Economy and Justice. There Mr. Chamira emphasized that it is not an easy thing to synchronize economic and justice according to the teaching in Economic Science. Further he mentioned that the aspect of justice comes with a political look. Further he mentioned that a collective involvement of civil society is needed to shape up the economy in to a just and fair one.

Two of the evenings at the seminar were spent to watch a movie and a debate. Movie was “Machang” which elaborate on youth economic issues in Sri Lanka and how they try to seek solutions. Debate brought a new spirit to the seminar where the group went into two groups and argued on the development in Sri Lanka.

Group spent final hours of the seminar sharing their thoughts and ideas for further involvements. ICY group of Pamunugama has already planned a discussion together with village men to find out the truth and issues behind a harbor project in a nearby village of Kepungoda. ICY further plans to stay behind the suggestions made by other participants represented other YMCAs for further actions for economic justice. 

Helping hand from Pamunugama to courageous people in the East and North Central

Training on organic farming

Group from PamunugamaYMCA  (Ridma, Shelton, Ranjith, Asela) visited it's service centers in Alagollewa, Horopathana (North Central Province), Gomarankadawela and Ottichchakulama (Eastern Province) from 1st to 4th October, 2011. Lakpriya and Tiron also joint the group as resource persons from MONLAR. First stop of the long journey was Alagollewa where YMCA is working to promote Organic Farming through a sustainable agricultural project. There are around 50 families involved with the project through small groups. Groups have started savings among the smaller groups and they will be provided with loans, knowledge and seeds to start farming using organic methods in the future. At the same time they will be supported with common equipment and needs such as water pumps and farming wells. 

Farmer's Well

Then the YMCA group resumed their journey to Horopathana where YMCA has provided flood relief recently. Group met  Hon Piayarathana Thero of the Horopathana temple to discuss on further assistance to repair damaged houses and provide livelihood assistance with the support of the National Council of YMCAs of Sri Lanka. Group also did visited few houses which were repaired and due to be repaired.

Green chilly Farm at Ottichchakulama

Then the group proceeded to Gomarankadawela area where YMCA has been involved with educational programmes, Scouting and agricultural programmes. Group visited 3 schools (Kivulakada, Sinhapura, Medavachchiya) in the area and met children and teachers who are involved with our educational programmes through extra classes for Mathematics, Science and English as well as scouting. At the same-time group had a fruitful discussion with Sumanasara Thero of the Medavachchiya Temple on the activities carried-out in the area.

Educational Programme at Sinhapura

Group also had the opportunity of visiting Ottichchakulama which locates 15 Kms North of Gomarankadawela. Group met farmers there and came to know about the outcome of YMCA assistance for farming. Group witnessed the success of some farmers as well as failures they faced due to bad weather. Two huge farming wells are about to be finished building and the farmers are very much hopeful that these two wells will help them to get through dry seasons in the future. Before they returned to Pamunugama group visited few houses repaired after the floods in the Gomarankadawela.


As usual the group returned home with mix feelings. From one hand it was satisfaction after seeing the amount of work done. At the other hand  the amount of work is huge to make those people liberate from their hardships.