Those with different skills should unite to boost economy - secretary

The President's Parliamentary Affairs Secretary, Kumarasiri Hettige said that all those who have different skills, should unite in order to boost the national economy.

He said that since a better environment has been created in the country the public should help them to come up independently. He highlighted the importance of the involvement of the private sector and the non-governmental organizations in the government's effort to build productive citizens. He said that it is vital to identify the vocational skills of the youth and to encourage them.

The President's Parliamentary Affairs Secretary Kumarasiri Hettige presenting a certificate to a youth who completed a free course at the Mohanlal Grero Foundation.

Hettige expressed these views during the Lyceum International School awards ceremony for those who excelled in vocational courses, conducted under the Mohan Lal Grero Foundation recently. He was the chief guest at the event. Certificates were awarded to 500 youth who completed free English language, computer and cookery courses. Hettige said, “There are politicians of different natures, both good and bad. Mohan Lal Grero gets self-satisfaction by utilizing his own funds for the betterment of the country. There are over 20 courses being conducted free under the Grero Foundation. By following these courses, youth can brighten their future. Grero has set an example to others as a good politician. We have to accept the fact that countries are facing different types of challenges.

Some countries face economical challenges. These countries also face poverty and unemployment issues. Sri Lanka is marching forward after defeating terrorism. The main reason behind this is President Mahinda Rajapaksa's true leadership. America has an unemployment rate of 10 percent. In England it is seven percent. However the unemployment rate in Sri Lanka is four percent.

Development of a country does not mean construction of roads or buildings. It also includes development of human resources. It is unbelievable that a country which suffered from 30 years of terrorism is marching forward so fast. There are opportunities for new inventions in this country. It is not possible to find solutions for issues in the country till a good education system suitable for this country is adopted.

This country has achieved many victories. All evil forces which try to push the country backward should be defeated. The youth in this country has to do more to take this country forward. The parents’ duty should be to guide their children on the correct path. If this is not done, it will be difficult to build a civilized society.

Monitoring MP of the Education Ministry Mohan Lal Grero speaking said, “There are 400,000 students in 9,600 schools and around 220,000 teachers in this country. Only around 22,500 students are selected to universities annually. There is a major fault here.

There are many who have minimum qualifications to enter a university. We talk about the 22,500 students who enter universities. Nobody listened to the grievances of the 150,000 students who could not enter universities even though they were eligible. It was President Rajapaksa who decided that these children should be given a vocational training. Accordingly a programme was formulated. Science and technology should be taken to the villages.

A school-based guidance and vocational training should be implemented. Mentally children become ill when they think they cannot pass exams. We have to help them to rise up. The Mahinda Chinthana is implemented with a future vision.”