Youth Dialogue on "Laudato Si’ – Care for Our Common Home"

On June 16, 2026, a youth dialogue centered on the encyclical Laudato Si’ was successfully conducted at the YMCA of Pamunugama. Organized in partnership with World Vision, the session focused on the Christian vision for environmental protection and drew the participation of 15 young individuals.

The presentation, delivered by Ms. Sanduni Mahesha, a lecturer at Aquinas College of Higher Studies, provided a comprehensive overview of the background of the document. It was explained that Laudato Si’ is an encyclical, which serves as a major teaching document issued by the Pope to provide guidance on significant moral and social issues. 

The session highlighted the document's origins, detailing how it addresses the urgent need for global solidarity in protecting the environment. A central component of the session was the introduction of the encyclical's six chapters:

• Chapter 1 addresses what is happening to our common home, specifically regarding pollution, climate change, and the loss of biodiversity.

• Chapter 2 explores the Gospel of creation, emphasizing the biblical perspective on the responsibility of humans toward nature.

• Chapter 3 examines the human roots of the ecological crisis, focusing on technology, anthropocentrism, and the current economic model.

• Chapter 4 proposes an "integral ecology" that connects environmental, economic, social, and cultural aspects of life.

• 
  Chapter 5 discusses lines of approach and action, suggesting how dialogue can be used to resolve environmental conflicts.

• Chapter 6 highlights ecological education and spirituality, encouraging a transformation in lifestyle and consumption.

The dialogue concluded with a commitment to continue to raise awareness among peers through a series of educational Facebook posts, and further agreed to explore the possibility of disseminating this information through the parish church.