– Hon. Mohamed Rimas, 5th Member of the Sri Lanka National Youth Parliament
(UTV-COLOMBO) We had the privilege of conducting an in-depth interview with Hon. Mohamed Rimas, Member of the Sri Lanka National Youth Parliament representing the Matale District. In this conversation, he shared his perspectives on a wide range of issues, including the need for reform in national youth policies, economic transformation, state diplomacy, and achieving the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
Reforming National Youth Policy
Hon. Member, to begin with, what are your views on the need to reform the national youth policies as a young leader?
When we speak of national youth policy, it must evolve in line with contemporary global trends. Compared to other nations, we must question whether the policy formulated in 2014 still holds relevance and effectiveness today.
There are numerous sectors that need updating-education, healthcare, and the economy, to name a few. Let’s take education, for instance. Education is not just about knowledge-it is about attitudes and skills. In Sri Lanka, university students often take years to graduate, while in many foreign countries, students complete their studies by age 22 and are already building their own economic futures.
We need to shift our focus towards a knowledge-based economy and enhance our export-oriented approach. In this regard, national branding strategies are of immense importance. They play a central role in promoting and attracting tourists, which ultimately contributes to holistic economic growth.
A nation’s brand identity consists of six pillars: its people, governance, exports, tourism, airports, and investments. A well-equipped, modern international airport acts as a major gateway to the country, attracting high-end tourists and boosting not only micro-level but macroeconomic development. Countries are already constructing new airports in anticipation of the next 25 years. When the economy fails, everything else collapses-a lesson we have unfortunately learned the hard way.
2025 Budget and Tourism Development
President Anura Kumara Dissanayake’s 2025 budget gives considerable emphasis to the tourism sector. A Rs. 500 million budget has been allocated for infrastructure development and industry promotion. The target is to welcome over 2.5 million tourists in 2025. These funds will support expansion projects-such as the second terminal at Bandaranaike International Airport with Japanese assistance-destination marketing, and the introduction of a digital ticketing system. In this context, national branding plays a decisive role.
Innovation and Economic Modernization
By adopting innovative technological methods practiced in other countries and contextualizing them to our domestic environment, Sri Lanka can advance in agriculture and other sectors. We must follow the “4 P” model: first identify the Problem, then Plan, Pilot on a small scale, and finally Proceed with full implementation.
Sustainable Development and Global Diplomacy
What are your views on achieving the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development?
Reaching the SDGs is essential if Sri Lanka is to become a sustainable nation by 2030. A scientific approach to sustainability requires integrating environmental, social, and economic dimensions with equal importance. True development is inclusive.
I firmly believe that harmonizing these three pillars will have a profound impact on our nation’s economy, the environment, and the overall wellbeing of every citizen. Moreover, fostering strong international relations will accelerate economic growth. I recall a profound statement by Singapore’s founding father Lee Kuan Yew: “Singaporeans, if I could draw a parallel, we are like a computer’s hard drive. Foreign expertise is the megabytes you add to that drive. So, with vast storage capacity, your system never crashes.”
Lee Kuan Yew’s principles were both visionary and practical. I believe a ten-year plan and strategic foresight are key to realizing national potential.
Economic Reform and Sectoral Awareness
What is your perspective on the proposed Economic Transformation Bill?
It is crucial to understand that there are 48 core economic activities within a functioning state, and as citizens, we must be aware of them. The entire economy operates upon these sectors. For an economy to thrive, all 48 must function cohesively-just as a car needs all four wheels working in sync to move forward.
Transport, for example, contributes 11% to economic growth, more than agriculture, which contributes around 7%. Public transport alone accounts for 7.7% of the total economy, of which 35% comprises three-wheelers. Thus, three-wheeler drivers alone contribute approximately 2.8% to the economy.
Youth Leadership Defined
As a young leader, how do you define leadership?
Leadership can take various forms and levels, especially in goal-oriented fields like this. A leader must possess a strong vision and the ability to translate that vision into actionable reality. They must be capable of working across diverse sectors and teams and should be grounded in practicality.
True leadership means being accountable-like shepherds are responsible for their flock. Some youth wonder whether they are capable of being leaders. The truth is, we are all born as leaders in our own life journeys. In that sense, leadership is not exclusive.
Consider the eagle-often used as a metaphor for leadership. While it symbolizes strength, it also stands for compassion, courage, patience, and vision.
Embracing Cultural Diversity
Finally, as a young leader, how important is it to value different cultures, traditions, and beliefs in our journey as a nation?
We are a beautiful and diverse nation. Diversity exists not just in our people, but in our flora and fauna as well. The beauty of Sri Lanka lies in its harmonious multicultural identity.
Unity in diversity has been the foundation of our rainbow nation’s prosperity. A “salad bowl” approach-where each culture retains its unique characteristics while contributing to the whole-is the ideal. It celebrates the richness of a multi-ethnic, multicultural society.
To bridge creators, investors, businesses, consumers, regulators, and policymakers, I propose the establishment of a Cultural Economic Development Institute to foster inclusive growth through culture and innovation.