While a group of unemployed graduates from Jaffna district were protesting near the district secretary’s office in Jaffna city today, opposition leader Mr. Sajith Premadasa arrived to discuss the youth’s concerns. Mr Premadasa was in the Jaffna district for several programs aimed at providing clean classrooms and buses.
Nearly 4,000 unemployed graduates in the Northern Province requested the opposition leader to facilitate concessional loans for securing government jobs or starting self-employment ventures.
Mr. Premadasa stated that he encountered the protest while in Jaffna to provide free buses and comfortable classrooms. He stopped by to understand their grievances and assured them of efforts to address their issues.
He further mentioned that there are approximately 50,000 to 60,000 graduates in the country, and a Samagi Jana Balawega government would implement a clear, formal program for them. This initiative would provide opportunities for government employment or entrepreneurship, with the primary goal of creating a million new enterprises.
Mr. Premadasa also emphasized that graduates with disabilities would be given equal opportunities to serve the country, ensuring their abilities and knowledge are recognized and utilized appropriately.
Additionally, he pledged to lead the country by setting aside differences in ethnicity, religion, and caste, uniting all as children of one mother to rebuild the nation.
The protestors highlighted the issue of graduates leaving the country due to lack of job opportunities and urged steps to prevent this brain drain, so their contributions could be harnessed for national development.
