Minister Muralitharan lauds President for opportunity:

Combined language training for Eastern youth

NADIRA Gunatilleke

The youth in the Eastern Province were involved in a meaningless and useless war for a long time and it was President Mahinda Rajapaksa who gave them the opportunity to see the world again. Youth Affairs Minister Pavithra Wanniarachchi is doing a significant service to the youths in the East and I wish to thank both President Rajapaksa and Minister Wanniarachchi, National Integration and Reconciliation Minister Vinayagamoorthi Muralitharan said.

Minister Muralitharan said the Government has paid special attention to the development of the Eastern Province and allocated a large amount of funds for major development drive. Arrangements have been made to conduct combined language training courses for youth with the assistance of the Department of State Languages.

He pointed out the importance of upgrading vocational training centres and setting up farms in order to provide income generating avenues for youth. Youth Affairs Minister Pavithradevi Wanniarachchi said that all arrangements have been made to upgrade the Eastern Province paying special attention to youth.

Many projects and programs are in operation to upgrade the living standards of youths in the Eastern Province. Rs.48 million has already been allocated for 2009 to carry out the projects and programs.

According to Minister Wanniarachchi 'Youth Corps', 'Rata Dinawana Vishishtayo', 'Yovun Diriya', 'Gama Negumata Yowun Detha', are among those projects and programs. Steps have also been taken to upgrade volleyball in the East. More new programs are to be launched to promote vocational training, language training, higher education, library facilities, computer facilities and loan schemes.

The meeting between the two Ministers and youths took place in the Parliament recently.