Youth Dialogue on Conflict Resolution, Gender, and Climate Action – Wanathavilluwa

A powerful youth-led community dialogue was held at St. Jude Church, Wanathavilluwa, focusing on pressing issues affecting the local environment and society. The session addressed how climate change, gender dynamics, and unresolved local conflicts have impacted social cohesion in the Wanathavilluwa area — particularly in Aruwakkalu.
The participants, including youth leaders and government officials, engaged in honest conversations about community problems, public accountability, and youth responsibility in building sustainable and peaceful communities.

Key Topics Discussed
Conflict Resolution & Social Cohesion
Gender & Reproductive Health Rights
Youth Participation in Climate Action
Environmental Issues in Wanathavilluwa, including:
Waste management crisis in Aruwakkalu
Human-elephant conflict
Alcoholism among youth
Impact of natural disasters

Outcomes & Agreed Actions
Involving youth in the Divisional Coordinating Committee at the Divisional Secretariat
Collaborative action in March to address the human-elephant conflict with youth participation
Using the Right to Information (RTI) Act to gather data about the current situation in Aruwakkalu
A field visit to Aruwakkalu area by government officers, with youth support, to assess conditions

Purpose of the Dialogue
To raise awareness on how climate issues intersect with gender and social unity
To build partnerships between youth and public officials
To empower youth to take practical action on local environmental and social issues

Key Themes
Youth-led governance
Gender and climate justice
Environmental sustainability
Community-based problem solving
Peacebuilding through dialogue