Youth Farmer Villages proposed islandwide

Irangika Range

COLOMBO: The Government has planned to empower the 32,800 youth labour force in the country by setting up Youth Farmer Villages at each Divisional Level.

A survey has already been conducted on the current hardships and problems of unemployed youth in the country.

Nation Building and Estate Infrastructure Development Minister Rohitha Abeygunawardana told the Daily News that youth are involved in many anti-social activities. They waste their time. "We need to increase their contribution to drive the national economy by uplifting their economic standards."

The survey completed under the guidance of Minister Abegunawardana has given several recommendations. It has clearly mentioned the Government's responsibility for creating jobs for unemployed youth. The survey results will be handed over to President Mahinda Rajapaksa in the near future.

Fallow lands in all areas in the country will be used for cultivation and poultry industry. Unemployed youth aged between 18 and 25 will be selected for these Youth Farmer Villages.

A plot of 25 acres will be cultivated by 100 males and females in each Provincial Council Division.

Funds will be granted to the Provincial Council and Local Government Authorities to implement the project. Schools, Library, places of worship, handicraft manufacturing centres, a conference room and an organic fertiliser manufacturing centre will also be set up in each village.