🏛️ Voice to Policy Initiative Concludes Phase One in Kandy

The Parliamentary Caucus for Open Parliament Initiative has wrapped up the opening phase of its "Voice to Policy" dialogue series in Kandy, following prior sessions in Gampaha and Batticaloa. • Core Engagement: Reached nearly 40 young participants and 8 Members of Parliament to bridge youth concerns directly with national policymaking processes. • Key Sector Concerns: • Education & Employment: Highlighting a mismatch between the current education system and market demands, with calls for stronger vocational training and closer private sector integration. • Entrepreneurship & Regional Growth: Proposals focused on establishing Kandy as an economic hub through tourism, digital connectivity, and infrastructure development. • Social Wellbeing & Inclusion: Discussions addressed substance abuse root causes (linked to unemployment), alongside pushing for higher women’s participation in political decision-making. • Next Steps: Parliamentary caucus leaders and partner Coalition for Inclusive Impact (CII) aim to channel the gathered recommendations through formal parliamentary channels to shape future government policy.