Abstract:
The World Health Organization defines youth as those in the age group between 15 to
24 years. World population statistics reveals that more than 50% of the population is less
than 25 years of age. In Sri Lanka the estimated Muslim youth population is 300,000 to
500,000. Youth issues began to be addressed constructively after the International
Conference on Population and Development (ICPD) in 1994 which placed issues of
youth at the top of its agenda. The ICPD labeled youth as ‘Parents of the Next
Generation’. This brought to the forefront an important demographic issue which had
been dormant for many years.
For youth to take on the responsibilities expected of them it is important that they first
mature socially, culturally, economically and spiritually, in a way which benefits them as
individuals and enables them to take on the responsibly in guiding their communities. In
order to do so they should be given the opportunity to attain a state of well-being without
the presence of disease or infirmity - that is to have good health.
Sri Lankan Islamic organizations in the fields of health, education and social welfare can
be used as vehicles to reach the youth. They can create the background for youth to
attain their aspirations in an Islamic and Sri Lankan background. The paper analyses the
problems of Sri Lankan Muslim youth and the role played by social institutions -
particularly health institutions-in mitigating the identified problems. Youth in refugee
camps, mainly have problems concerning their health and nutritional status and the lack
of opportunity to education and employment. The youth in urban slums have issues
mainly concerning individual and social integration. The paper draws up a frame work for
activities which can be employed to address issues of Muslim youth based on national
guide lines formulated by the Ministry of Health and the author’s views and experience
with Muslim youth.
