Youth Services Council called upon to recommence courses

by Anushka Nanayakkara

Youth Affairs Minister Pavithra Wanniarachchi has called upon the President of Youth Services Council to take swift measures to recommence vocational courses conducted islandwide by the Youth Services Council, when she visited the Avissawella Youth Services Training Centre during an observation tour.

The Minister told officials that priority should be given to courses such as motor mechanism, driving, computer and English. The Avissawella Youth Services Training Centre having a building complex with all facilities has the capacity to train around 150 students with accommodation facilities.

However, due to lack of funds these training courses had been suspended for about four years. Currently, 25 students following a course in motor mechanical technology and five students following welding courses have benefited from the centre and the "Youth Senanka" centre which operates at these premises.

A training project on ornamental fish breeding is also conducted at the centre. With the inauguration of the National Youth Services Council in 1979, training courses for about 14 subjects were conducted. During the year 2000 the funds received had decreased and the centre was unable to conduct the courses.