Over 51,000 new jobs in 10 months

Ridma Dissanayake

The government granted 51,500 new employment opportunities to graduates during the first 10 months of this year. All measures are in place to make those appointments permanent, Public Administration and Home Affairs Minister W D J Seneviratne said.

"The graduates who pass out from universities were a nuisance to previous governments. This government has given them their due place. This government considers them a resource," he said. The minister said Sri Lanka is on fast track towards development.

"The contribution of all sectors is important to make this a success. Sri Lanka's educated and talented youths have to play a vital role in this regard. The government has taken measures to grant more opportunities for youths to participate in the country's development process," the minister said.

Minister Seneviratne was addressing the appointment letter distributing ceremony at the Public Administration and Home Affairs Ministry recently. Sixty one graduates received appointment letters. They have been appointed to the ministry as development officers. He said in 2005, the number of government servants was only 800,000 and this increased to 1.4 million.

"Unemployment has become the main problem in all countries. The Sri Lankan government has found an answer for unemployment," Public Administration and Home Affairs Ministry Secretary P B Abeykoon said. He said during the last three decades, Sri Lanka was affected by terrorism.

"As a nation passing the post-war period, all have to play a vital role to make Sri Lanka the Wonder of Asia. The efficiency of the state service is important to speed up the development process," he said.

Public Administration and Home Affairs Deputy Minister Vijaya Dahanayake, Additional Secretaries and the Colombo District Secretary were also present.