Young politicians and activists must take the lead in defeating the current wave of racism which will hamper Sri Lanka's recovery after the COVID19 outbreak in the country, a panel of political and social activists said during an interview with Asian Mirror.

Samagi Jana Balawegaya-affiliated political activist Rasika Jayakody, SLPP Municipal Councilor Milinda Rajapaksha and social activist Mohammed Hisham said the youth political figures are well-positioned to initiate the much-needed dialogue on fostering a new political culture against racism.

Only such an approach, they said, would help Sri Lanka emerge as a strong nation with the support of all ethnicities and communities. "If we fail to make use of this opportunity," they said, "Sri Lanka would slide into under-development and poverty in the midst of a challenging global situation."

Find below the full interview with the three panellists: