YCW Sri Lanka Advances the Struggle for Dignity, Justice, and Economic Alternatives

The Young Christian Workers (YCW) in Sri Lanka has shown once again that when young workers organize, reflect, and act together, real change becomes possible. From planning meetings to skills training and social action programs, YCW Sri Lanka continues to plant the seeds of genuine empowerment and solidarity in the heart of working-class communities.

Organizing Together, Building Collective Strength

Since November 2024, the YCW coordinating team has gathered twice monthly at Aruna’s home and online. With 22 committed participants, these meetings became vital spaces for analyzing challenges, celebrating small victories, and crafting sharper strategies for action.

“For the first time, I felt that I am not alone in facing my struggles at work. Together we can find solutions, not just for ourselves but for our community.” — Dilrukshan, participant

Though some members faced obstacles in participation—like balancing jobs and family responsibilities—the spirit of unity remained strong. Together, the group reflected not only on personal struggles but on the broader exploitation and difficulties confronting the working class.

Forging New Leaders, Advancing Women’s Power

YCW launched Leadership and Women’s Empowerment trainings in Batagama and Kalaeliya, drawing dozens of young workers from Kaleliya, Jaela, Delathura, Kandana, Negombo, and Batagama. The programs focused on confronting the challenges of teamwork, sharpening leadership skills, and building the courage to lead collective struggles.

“This training gave me the confidence to speak up. I now believe that women can and should lead in the fight for our rights.” — Rashmi, participant

Through dynamic team activities and sports, participants strengthened bonds and deepened their resolve to stand together.

Learning from the People: Exchange and Immersion

A bold immersion program brought 26 young people to Awissawella, where they witnessed the lives of women sustaining their families through home-based tailoring businesses. They also explored conditions inside a rubber factory, opening their eyes to both the possibilities and the harsh realities of working life.

“Seeing how these women earn from home inspired me. We can create our paths if we support each other.” — Anusha, participant

These experiences helped inspire collective reflections on economic alternatives and solidarity.

Education for Global Citizenship: SEE-JUDGE-ACT in Action

Despite setbacks—like a canceled speaker—the Delathura training on the Education for Global Citizenship became a powerful opportunity. Coordinators turned the challenge into a victory, leading an in-depth study of YCW’s See-Judge-Act method.

“What I learned from this was simple but powerful: We must act. Complaining is not enough.” — Jayarathna, participant

Economic Alternatives: Skills, Production, and Market Power

Determined to break cycles of dependency, YCW launched basic sewing and handicraft courses, supported by the purchase of two Juki sewing machines. Every Sunday, 16 young people develop their skills, with full support in materials and guidance from experienced trainers.

“Before this, I never touched a sewing machine. Now I am creating something with my own hands. This is the start of my dream.” — Kanchana, participant

Plans are underway for further needlework, craft, packaging, and marketing training, aiming to build sustainable, people-centered economies.

The Financial Management and Micro-Business Training gave young workers the tools to take control of their small enterprises and build resilience.

“I realized that our strength is in working together to create markets, not just waiting for jobs to come to us.” — Pradeep, participant

YCW also tackled the urgent need for social protection, with members raising their voices for structural change to secure the future of young women workers.

Spreading Awareness, Building Solidarity

A publication launched in March 2025 amplified the voices and experiences of YCW members, showcasing their struggles and victories. The Christmas program in Kalaeliya was more than a celebration—it became a space for solidarity, joy, and the reaffirmation of friendship and collective hope.

And most importantly, the opening of a training center in Delathura stands as a lasting symbol of the power of collective action.

Towards a Future We Build Ourselves

YCW Sri Lanka’s journey over the past year is clear: the fight for dignity, justice, and economic alternatives is alive and growing. Through every meeting, every training, every act of solidarity, the young workers of Sri Lanka are declaring:

“We will not wait for change—we will create it with our own hands, together.”

As YCW moves forward, the call remains loud and clear:

Organize, educate, and act! For a future where no worker is left behind.