Ten thousand jobs for graduates

by Ananda Kannangara

The Finance Ministry yesterday assured that 10,000 unemployed graduates will be absorbed to public sector institutions before the end of next year.

This division follows a protest campaign launched by a large number of unemployed graduates opposite the Fort Railway Station last week.

Deputy Finance Minister Ranjith Siyambalapitiya told the `Sunday Observer' that applications of 6000 graduates have already been processed for training in selected fields in the public sector.

"Among them large number of graduates are in the field of education," he said. According to recent research, the Ministry has found that a severe dearth of teachers, especially to teach English, Science and Mathematics exists in rural schools.

"In addition, we have also made arrangements to fill a large number of vacancies in the banking and health sectors," he said.

The Minister also said that special programs have been initiated with the Higher Education Ministry to provide training for undergraduates in the field of Information Technology and English Language to enable them to work in private sector institutions and overseas.

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