Plenty jobs in private sector

Many private sector companies can provide job opportunities in the manufacturing sector.

If a proper survey is done these vacancies can be filled and reduce the unemployment rate in the country.

J.S. Group of Company Chairman Janath Silva told the Daily News Business that although Central Bank reports say that there is an unemployment rate of 5.4 percent, this can be easily reduced with jobs available in the manufacturing sector.

J.S. Group manufactures rubber based products such as rings, bushes and other items required for the automotive, telecommunication and water management sector.

For the first time since recession the company is now getting orders and they are unable to meet that demand due to a manpower shortage.

The company is prepared to employ school leavers and provide them with training and accommodation with approved salaries. There should be a system to attract them towards such jobs where the country's requirements could be met.

Silva said authorities must take action to link job seekers and employers in the manufacturing sector to reap results. "I set up the company in a village to give employment to young people. But they are going to the city due to lack of awareness about opportunities available."

"There are various training institutes in the country and these institutes need to motivate and train young people to do the needful," he said. The JS Group won the Entrepreneur of the Year Award for several years. (RK)