Plans to set up 'vocational training universities'

Sivam Packiyanathan - Batticaloa special correspondent

The government plans to set up 25 universities to provide vocational training for those who fail to gain admission to universities, Youth Affairs and Skills Development Minister Dullas Alahapperuma said.

"This will be done in keeping with the concept under the Mahinda Chintana to open technical schools," he said.

The minister said this at the signing of an agreement to establish Malik Abdullah Technical College in Kattankudy.

Alahapperuma said this technical college will cater to Muslim religious educationists of Puttalam, Chilaw and Hambantota. He said there are forces trying to create problems between communities.

"People must not fall into this trap. Our duty should be to work towards unity and solidarity among communities," he said.

Eastern Provincial Council Chief Minister Najeeb Abdul Majeed, Batticaloa Government Agent P.S.M. Charles, Economic Development Deputy Minister M.L.A.M. Hizbullah, Eastern Provincial Councillor S Farook and several others participated.