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The Government has formulated a number of plans to get the active participation of the private sector to develop the country's economy and facilitate solutions to the unemployment and other burning issues of the country, Agriculture, Livestock and Samurdhi Minister S.B.Dissanayake said.

The Minister made these observations at a mobile service held at Udispathtuwa Maha Vidyalaya in connection with the 220th Mahapola trade exhibition conducted at Teldeniya Central College recently. The mobile service was organised to provide solutions to the problems faced by the people and upgrade the common amenities in the area.

He said initiatives should be taken to strengthen the private sector while more local and foreign direct investments should be attracted to the country. At present, educated youth are facing difficulties finding jobs. Due to low economic growth the country has failed to generate sufficient employment opportunities to cater to the needs of the younger generation.

In order to increase the country's production and income, the efficiency of the private sector should be increased, he said.

Dissanayake said: "The Petroleum or power sectors have no competition. However, both these institutions are running at a loss today. This indicates the inefficiency of the state service. Therefore, immediate measures should be taken to improve the efficiency of the state sector and encourage private sector investments. In addition, Government employees should be more dedicated to their work."

Of the country's total number of university students, nearly 77 per cent are qualified for Mahapola Scholarship. Compared with other countries, our university students lack the necessary facilities.

Nearly 77 per cent of university students are the children of farmers and other low income earners. At present, university students have to spend a large amount money to conduct their studies. In this situation, they have to face severe hardships.

The Minister said: "The Executive Presidency is an essential factor for the country's development. Late President J. R. Jayewardene introduced the Executive Presidency considering these key future needs. During the past 50 years, the country's development has been stagnant.

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