Development of education, a priority - Minister

P P G Sugathadasa- Thihagoda group corr

Development of education for the benefit of future generations is a priority of this government, Youth Affairs and Skills Development Minister Dullas Alahapperuma said.

He was addressing as chief guest at a function held at the Bengamuwa Maha Vidyalaya.

The minister said that due to the policies of President Mahinda Rajapaksa, LTTE terrorism that engulfed the country for nearly three decades was eliminated. "It is now a great solace that people of all communities have the opportunity to live without fear".

For lasting peace in the country and to establish mutual understanding, a sound knowledge of all three languages Sinhala, Tamil and English is essential, he added.

Mahinda Chinthana policy was formulated aiming for all round development in every sector in the country. Rural infrastructure development is a priority, the minister said.

There are ample job opportunities in the public and private sectors and in foreign countries for youth who had received vocational and technical training.

The decentralization of vocational and technical training through institutes coming within the purview of the ministry would be an initiative to achieve these goals, the minister said.

Minister Alahapperuma added that the National Youth Brigade is an example to other institutions of this country as it provides all round training on leadership, personality development, language skills development and information technology.

School leavers are also provided with opportunities for vocational and technical training.

Development projects initiated under the Mahinda Chinthana have already paved the way for sustainable socio-economic development in Sri Lanka, Minister Alahapperuma added.

Several other speakers also addressed the meeting.