Opposition Leader Sajith Premadasa has accused the government of abandoning nearly 40,000 unemployed graduates, despite having over 50,000 vacancies in the state sector.
Speaking at the “Citizen’s Voice” programme, where members of the Unemployed Graduates’ Association presented their grievances, Premadasa said promises made during the last election to provide jobs for graduates had been broken.
He noted that the government’s policy document had clearly outlined employment plans for 20,000 teachers, 3,000 graduates in science, technology, engineering and mathematics fields, 3,000 in local revenue and foreign services, and 9,000 in tourism and related industries. However, none of these pledges had been honored.
Premadasa said unemployed graduates were now left helpless, while some who campaigned for the government had been rewarded with positions such as director posts in youth institutions.
He stressed that graduates, educated through free education, should not be demeaned as beneficiaries of handouts, adding that the Samagi Jana Balawegaya and its allies would continue a democratic struggle until jobs are provided.
Citing a Cabinet note by Higher Education Minister Harini Amarasuriya, Premadasa pointed out that the state sector currently has around 50,000 vacancies requiring degree qualifications, yet unemployed graduates remain without opportunities. (Newswire)