Education sector should meet job market demands

Dharma Sri Abeyratne

The education sector needs radical changes to meet the present day job market requirements and demands, Parliamentarian Namal Rajapaksa said. He was addressing a scholarship awarding ceremony for university students organised by the Education Department Cooperative Society (EDCS) at Temple Trees yesterday. One thousand undergraduates were granted a Rs 10,000 scholarship each for an academic year until the completion of higher studies.

MP Rajapaksa said the present education system was established during the colonial era aiming to produce clerical staff for official duties. This education system has become obsolete with the passing of time and does not cater to the present day requirements in the education sector. Therefore, the education sector needs urgent reforms to create an educated youth armed with latest knowledge and abilities to face present day challenges and job requirements.

He added the country has been placed on a rapid development track. In line with this infrastructure development initiatives, the government has taken measures to develop education focusing on the demand in the job market.

"I believe that a university student has the right to get involved in politics to a certain extent. But, university politics should not destroy the entire university system and the country's education sector," he said.

Cooperative and Internal Trade Minister Johnstan Fernando said EDCS has been streamlined under the guidance of President Mahinda Rajapaksa.

"Instead of that administrative board, an interim committee has been appointed and the EDCS is functioning at its apex. Accordingly, the EDCS has granted the highest ever amount in loan facilities to its members in May this year, " Minister Fernando said.

He said Rs. 736 million in loan facilities were granted to EDCS members during May. The EDCS has been converted into the foremost monetary organization providing maximum profits and benefits to its members. Minister Fernando challenging the parties who levelled allegations against the interim committee over the alleged misuse of EDCS deposits, said he would be ready to vacate his Ministerial post if one can prove that a single cent has been misused by him.

Education Minister Bandula Gunawardena said the education sector is progressing and offers equal education for all. Aiming to achieve this target, 1,000 schools are being upgraded under the theme 'Mahindodaya Paasal'.