Over 100,000 graduates given jobs since 2005 - President

Asela Kuruluwansa

President Mahinda Rajapaksa said since he assumed office in 2005, over 100,000 graduates have been provided with employment opportunities.

The above number is in addition to the trainee appointments given to graduates recently. However, these are not being adequately highlighted, he said. President Rajapaksa made this observation when he met a group of media personnel from Kandy at President's House, Kandy on Saturday. The meeting was organised by Central Province Governor Tikiri Kobbekaduwa. Speaking on corruption and fraud, the President said the government alone cannot totally eradicate them without public help.

He said people too should be alert to such occurrences and help authorities to minimise such happenings.

President Rajapaksa said public thinking in this regard should change and they also should make a contribution to protect what is theirs.

The President highlighted several incidents as examples including the dumping of solid waste to Kandy Lake by some, which he said goes on unnoticed by those living close to it.

Highlighting another incident, President Rajapaksa said when he was arriving by helicopter he saw the Gampola Municipal Council dumping waste on a mountain top and said when it rains, the waste will wash down contaminating the land below.

The President said he could not understand why some officials are oblivious to these facts.

Speaking on the newly refurbished Bogambara Stadium, President Rajapaksa said he would speak to the Sports Minister on the possibility of providing it for school events at a concessionary rate.

He said fully equipped sports facilities will be set up in all areas of the country.