Graduates should find jobs themselves without waiting for govt to do so

Solving the unemployment problem of graduates has become a serious issue saddled with consequences for all governments.

The majority in the country are of the view that authorities must study this problem seriously and not cast a blind eye on this issue.

When the Sunday Observer interviewed people on this subject, a Professor of a local university, Ranga Jesudasan said in addition to usual subjects, which students learn in universities, more time should be allocated for them to acquire a knowledge in employment related subjects.

“For example, students who are interested in the diplomatic service, they must be given a field training in local and foreign embassies”.

He said during his three-year stay in the Republic of China as a lecturer, he learnt that students in the Huwan University were trained in the fish breeding and fish processing industry in addition to their other subjects.

“The objective is to encourage students to develop the canned fish industry in the country,” he added.

He therefore, urged local university authorities to give our students comprehensive training in employment related subjects, so that protest campaigns, conducted by graduates could be eliminated.

Sri Lanka Bureau of Foreign Employment, Chairman Kingsley Ranawaka

said the old educational system which prevails in the country will no longer help the majority of students to find better employment opportunities. “Therefore, I urge the educational authorities to focus more attention to improve English education and computer literacy of students, so that they could not only find jobs in Sri Lanka but also in foreign countries”.

The Bureau Chairman said that although there was a great demand for Sri Lankans from job recruiting agencies in western countries, many local job seekers were reluctant to apply due to the lack of English knowledge.

Ranawaka also extends his fullest support to the Government’s plan to introduce English medium education in the Law College from year 2010. “This opportunity will help our young lawyers to practise even in foreign courts of law.

Founder of the Pragna Pradeepa concept, Jayantha de Silva wanted the Education Ministry to introduce subjects that will help students to find jobs without any difficulty.

He therefore, proposed the Education authorities to introduce job oriented subjects and conduct job related workshops from grade eight, so that children could be directed to different job categories after their school or university eduction. Deputy General Manager of a State institution, L.K. Ruhunage said

that it is the duty of graduates to get trained in various employment categories and find employment by themselves in the State sector or the private sector institutions without blaming the government.

He said although governments provide free education, no government in Sri Lanka or in any part of the world are obliged to provide jobs.

However, Ruhunage said that university students also must know how to focus attention not only on their normal subjects but also on their professional education to enable them to find employment.

State sector Executive, Ravindra Bopitiya condemned the behaviour of some graduates who conduct protest campaigns demanding the government to provide them jobs.

He requested graduates to stop protest campaigns and learn English and computer related subjects.

Student, Evan Perera requested unemployed graduates to follow employment related educational courses.

He said it was not ethical for graduates to demand jobs as it is not the responsibility of the government to provide jobs.

Dr. Lakshan Rammuthugala of Kegalle requested universities to encourage students to follow professional courses such as law, engineering, accountancy, tourism and computer science.

He said the majority graduates are not capable to handle top class jobs as they are not conversant in English and IT.

University student, Dimuthu Sagara of Kelaniya called upon students to follow professional courses at private institutions.

Student, Hillwood College, Kandy, Sewwandi Pushpamala urged educational authorities to introduce more IT related courses and English courses at universities.

Captain of the Sri Lanka Army, Gayantha Samarawickrama condemned the behaviour of graduates in the country and proposed to the Government to grant a monthly payment of Rs. 5000 each until they find jobs.

He said graduates in countries such as Australia, Germany and Canada are granted special payments until they find jobs.