President Ranil Wickremesinghe said this week that a job creation program for unemployed youth will begin once the country emerges from bankruptcy this year.
He was speaking at the youth conference organised by the National Youth Service Council, focusing on the Northern Province. A large number of youth from the Northern Province, representing various fields, attended the meeting. They were given the opportunity to present their questions directly to the President.
President Wickremesinghe provided positive answers to their questions and engaged in a friendly conversation with the attendees.
The questions addressed to President Ranil Wickremesinghe and the answers by the President are as follows:
Q: Mr. President, the National Youth Services Council’s Jaffna Centre is a place where young people can hone their skills. However, there is a problem with providing accommodation for those coming from outside. What can be done about this?
The chairman of the National Youth Services Council has been instructed to provide a report regarding the Jaffna Centre. Once the report is studied, funds can be allocated for the development of the centre. The National Youth Services Council was set up specifically for the youth of this country, based on their views. I must say that it has been a very successful program.
I assumed the presidency of this country at a very difficult time. Now, we are slowly improving. It is crucial to develop programs that address the current needs and aspirations of the youth in the work of the National Youth Services Council. We encourage you to share your ideas so we can advance together and stay aligned with global progress.
Back then, J.R. Jayawerdena instructed me to develop a program for the youth of that era. Today, I urge you to gather opinions from everyone. Young people face numerous challenges, and we must address them appropriately.
Q: Mr. President, given the significant lack of drinking water in the North, can you provide a solution to this issue?
To address the drinking water shortage in the North, the Government has planned a new desalination project, which is expected to commence in June. The Northern Province experiences an abundance of water at certain times and severe shortages at other times. We need to find effective ways to manage these fluctuations. It’s important to note that this issue is not exclusive to the north but affects various regions.
Some areas in the South face similar challenges. According to the reports we have received, by 2050, rainfall in dry regions is expected to decrease, while in the wet zone, rainfall and water levels will increase. The problems related to climate change are not unique to us; many countries worldwide are facing similar issues. We are collaborating with global nations to find solutions to climate change.
Q: Mr. President, could you consider implementing an interest-free loan program to support self-employment, given the widespread unemployment?
Unemployment remains a pressing issue not only in Jaffna but across the nation. The economic downturn in recent years has severely limited job prospects, with no significant recruitment in sight. However, concerted efforts are under way to stabilise the economy and overcome the challenges posed by the recent financial crisis.
We aim to conclude these efforts within the current year, alongside agreements already established with the International Monetary Fund (IMF) to facilitate economic recovery.
To propel the country’s development, we envision transitioning to an export-oriented economy. Our goal is to bolster the export economy within the next 5-10 years. In pursuit of this objective, crucial legislation will be introduced in Parliament during June and July.
Despite the economic challenges witnessed last year, with the nation’s economy registering negative growth, we anticipate a turnaround following our efforts to alleviate bankruptcy in 2024. Once this transformation occurs, we plan to facilitate access to concessional loans through the banking system to further support our economic agenda.
Q: Mr President, Can the Yowun Pura program run by the National Youth Service Council be resumed?
Given the weather, the youth program typically takes place in March. I will instruct the National Youth Services Council to organise the Youth Village program in Jaffna next year.
Preparations for it should commence immediately. It’s worth noting that nine youth villages are already operational in all nine provinces this year.
Q: Mr. President, can you extend the age limit for public service exams and implement a program to bring together institutions that offer other job opportunities to students leaving the universities apart from the public sector?
It is crucial to consider the age limit for students leaving universities, typically around 20-22 years old. Currently, the age limit for Government service exams is 25 years, reflecting this trend.
However, it’s essential to address the opportunities for those who do not pursue Government service. One initiative is the Agricultural Modernisation Program, which aims to assist those involved in agriculture.
By leveraging new technologies, we can empower young people to engage in modern agricultural practices, providing them with alternative career paths.
Q: How will Sri Lankan youth benefit from the anticipated visit of globally renowned businessman Elon Musk to the country?
I engaged in discussions with Elon Musk regarding the possibility of linking Sri Lanka to the global “Starlink” network. This initiative could significantly alleviate Wi-Fi connectivity issues outside Colombo. We explored opportunities in renewable energy, particularly focusing on the potential of solar energy in our nation. I extended an invitation to him to visit Sri Lanka and collaborate on crucial projects for our country’s development. The Telecommunication Regulatory Commission has been urged to look into the “Starlink” network, with much of the groundwork already completed. Final approval from the Ministry of Defense is pending.
Minister Douglas Devananda, Northern Province Governor P. M. C. Charles, Presidential Director of Youth Affairs and Sustainable Development Randula Abedhira, President of the National Youth Services Council and Director General Pasindu Gunaratne also attended the event.
Translated by Maneshka Borham
