Jobs on skills, not political backing

Rasika Somarathna in Matale

[With youth in mind]

* Moves to upgrade education

* Equal distribution of facilities

* Development never neglected

The era where youth had to go after politicians in search of gainful employment will soon be over, President Mahinda Rajapaksa said. President Rajapaksa said a culture should be created where youth would get gainful employment in accordance with their skills and knowledge without having to depend on political backing or having to face undue hassle.

He said the Government was committed and would work tirelessly to achieve this objective.

President Rajapaksa made these observations addressing a well-attended political rally in support of UPFA Matale district candidates at the Bernard Aluvihare stadium in Matale on Saturday.

The President said to achieve this the Government would direct its energies in upgrading education with the use of modern facilities such as IT and would focus on equitable distribution of facilities throughout the country.

“Equally, we would also lay focus in creating a disciplined and morally rich society,” he added.

President Rajapaksa told the large gathering that after the triumph of terrorism the Government was now focused on delivering the goods in the development sphere.

“We will work on a five point development agenda in line with the Mahinda Chintana, to achieve this objective, he said.

“Even during a raging conflict we did not neglect development but came up with new harbours, airports, electricity generation projects, roads, irrigation schemes etc. to lay the ground work for the planned massive development drive ahead,” he pointed out. “To achieve our objective and supplement the accelerated development drive a strong Parliament is needed, President Rajapaksa said and urged the voters to return the UPFA candidates with a convincing majority at the April 8 polls.

He also stressed on the need to work as a cohesive unit to ensure a convincing victory for the UPFA and advised both candidates and supporters to refrain from engaging in intra-party rivalry in search of the Manapay.

During the rally several UNP supporters and politicians from the area too got on stage to extend their support to the UPFA. They included close relatives of former UNP MP Bernard Aluvihare like Thakshila Aluvihare and Nandana Udugama.

Pallepola Pradeshiya Sabha Chairman Sanath Dissanayake, Naula Pradeshiya Sabha member Wasantha Hettiarachchi and former UNP MP for Laggala K. Muthubanda were on stage to show solidarity with the President and the UPFA.

Ven. Ellawela Medananda Thera and Former MP Sarath Kongahage along with all UPFA candidates for the district also addressed the gathering.