Youth must make maximum use of their talents - Minister

Ishara Mudugamuwa

President Mahinda Rajapaksa has brought a transformation in the country's education sector by building a bridge between the Youth Affairs and Skills Development Ministry and the Education Ministry, said Education Minister Bandula Gunawardane.

Participating at the MOU signing ceremony at the Youth Affairs and Skills Development Ministry yesterday, Minister Bandula Gunawardane said it was not only difficult to find jobs for the educated people, but, it was equally difficult to find skilled people for available job opportunities.

"According to recent Education Ministry statistics, of the students who qualify for the A/Ls, only 22 percent follow the science stream while 27 percent follow the commerce stream.

Around 51 percent of A/L students follow arts stream. Most students select subjects that are easy to obtain a 'A pass' at the examination. As a re sult of this, it is difficult to find skilled people for some jobs, " the minister said.

He said eventhough the Education Ministry had a number of vacancies for English graduates, we only could find 250 English graduates. There are job opportunities in the national aviation service, but, a very few skilled people to fill these vacancies.

"President Mahinda Rajapaksa having realized this situation, has taken measures to join the Education Ministry and Youth Affairs and Skills Development Ministry. It is the focal point of the country's education system." he said.

Youth Affairs and Skills Development Minister Dullas Alahapperuma said the country's all important sectors were based on university education.

"The decision taken by the government to add technology as a main stream subject for A/L students is highly appreciated. Proper understanding among the two ministries will create good opportunities for students to make maximum use of their talents." minister said.

A Memorandum of Understanding was signed by the Youth Affairs and Skills development Ministry to issue National Vocational Qualification Certificates based on the skills competency to school children who follow the Information Technology subject.

Under the programme it is envisaged to issue NVQ certificates to students who learn ICT in schools after their knowledge and skills are assesses by qualified assessors. It is also expected to register and accredit the ICT centres in schools and train assessors under this MOU.

The Tertiary and Vocational Education Commission which comes under the purview of Youth Affairs and Skills Development Ministry will assist in these activities.

Monitoring MP of both ministries Mohan Lal Grero, Education Ministry Secetary Gotabhaya Jayaratne, heads of departments and other officers also participated.