Unemployment amongst the youth in Sri Lanka is a current problem. The National Action Plan for Youth Employment in Sri Lanka hopes to address this problem and to ensure that the talents and aspirations of the young people are met. The plan is based on a comprehensive analysis of the labour market. It looks into key issues such as the equal opportunities among the youth regardless of class, status, gender, ethnicity, geographical location and disabilities. It also discusses employment creation and the various constraints in this arena. The action plan looks at the root causes including weaknesses in the education system and how there is a mismatch between what is taught in schools and what is expected in an employee. Furthermore the plan considers the special needs of the youth who have been affected by conflict. It takes into consideration the role that culture and perceptions play in restricting employment. Entrepreneurship, low skilled migration and the economic factors that undermine self-employment are also analysed. Based on these issues, the action plan has detailed policy recommendations and policy directions.