The British Council, in partnership with HSBC Sri Lanka, has launched Youth Connect: Inclusive Economic Empowerment (IEE) – Green Pathways, a new initiative designed to support young people in Sri Lanka in accessing employment, entrepreneurship and leadership opportunities in Sri Lanka's emerging blue-green economy.
Implemented by SEVANTHA Urban Resource Centre and Muslim Aid Sri Lanka, the project will support young people to explore pathways into employment and entrepreneurship while promoting inclusive and sustainable economic growth.
The event also featured a symbolic launch celebrating the partnership between the British Council and HSBC Sri Lanka. Representatives from both organisations came together for a commemorative photograph to mark the launch of the initiative and reaffirm their shared commitment to helping young people access opportunities within Sri Lanka's emerging blue-green economy.
Clare Sears, Country Director, British Council Sri Lanka, said: “Sri Lanka’s young people have the talent, ambition, and potential to drive Sri Lanka’s blue-green future. Through this partnership with HSBC, we are helping them translate that potential into opportunity by building the skills, confidence, and connections needed to thrive in a rapidly evolving economy. Lasting and meaningful change happens when government, educators, the private sector, development partners, and communities work together around a shared vision, with young people at the heart of our collective efforts.”
Mark Surgenor, Chief Executive Officer, HSBC Sri Lanka, said: “As economies and workplaces evolve, supporting people to navigate change and access future opportunities has never been more important. Through Green Pathways, HSBC is pleased to provide practical support, including mentoring, enterprise guidance and financial capability development, to young people exploring Sri Lanka’s blue-green economy. Working with the British Council and our partners, we hope to contribute to a more inclusive and resilient economic future for Sri Lanka.”
Over the coming months, participants will access learning opportunities, mentoring, industry engagement and practical support to strengthen their readiness for employment and entrepreneurship. Particular emphasis will be placed on supporting young women, young people with disabilities, and young people facing barriers to economic participation.
Green Pathways forms part of Youth Connect: Inclusive Economic Empowerment, a British Council initiative delivered in partnership with HSBC. The programme supports young people to build the skills, knowledge and confidence needed to access employment and entrepreneurship opportunities and participate more fully in economic life.
Applications for Youth Connect: Inclusive Economic Empowerment – Green Pathways are now open until 30 November 2026. Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis, and early applications are encouraged. Young people interested in employment and entrepreneurship opportunities within Sri Lanka's blue-green economy are encouraged to visit British Council Sri Lanka's Facebook and Instagram channels for application details and programme updates.
