The International Labour Organisation (IL0) and the Ceylon Chamber of Commerce (CCC) have entered into a partnership to push local youth to explore entrepreneurship opportunities.

The two-year partnership is part of the South Asia Leadership for Entrepreneurship Programme (SALE) that aims to boost young people’s transition into the entrepreneurial world and create a shift in the entrepreneurial ecosystem. In addition to the roll-out of several activities, the partnership will also facilitate the ‘Youth Entrepreneur Spark’ Award.

“Youths are the backbone and potential of every society, but youth unemployment is a global concern. “Entrepreneurship provides youth a viable alternative to becoming job seekers plus brings benefits to the community. Strengthening it is vital,” said ILO Country Director for Sri Lanka and the Maldives Simrin Singh while addressing the launch of the SALE programme in Colombo today.