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.