Tackling unemployment, my major challenge - Pasanda Yapa Abeywardana

by Naalir Jamaldeen

Shortcomings in the unemployment, health and education sectors will be addressed soon in theMatara district, said United People's Freedom Alliance (UPFA) Matara district candidate for the Southern Provincial Council Pasanda Yapa Abeywardana.

"I will take all efforts to address the unemployment problem in the district. Special attention will be given to health and education", he said in an interview with the Sunday Observer.

The resources available in the district should be utilised in the development process. The Matara district is blessed with natural resources and even human resources, achieving sustainable development will not be a difficult task.

"I have various plans to address the unemployment problem in the district. No sooner I am elected to the Southern Provincial Council I will take steps to implement these plans with the blessings of President Mahinda Rajapaksa", Abeywardana said.

Abeywardana also stressed the necessity to encourage the people towards being self-employed to reduce unemployment. The Government alone can't address the unemployment problem. He said one out of 16 persons were doing Government jobs. The number of graduates who pass out from the Universities increase every year.

After 10 years the Government will not have the capacity to give jobs to everyone. Those who qualify should look at the private sector fro employment. The private sector to a great extent can step in and solve the problem However, the contention is that educated youth think that they will be recognised only when they are employed in the state sector. This mentality should change. The private sector is far ahead of the Government sector. A good salary can be obtained by working in private companies or firms.

Q: Do you think the Provincial Council system will expedite development in the country?

A: Of course, Provincial Councils implement a large number of infrastructure and livelihood development projects within the province. The Central Government can't implement all projects throughout the country . Provincial Councils have been assigned to implement certain projects on behalf of the Central Government. The Provincial Council system will expedite development projects and something can be done for the sake of the people eventhough there are shortcomings in the Provincial Council system.

Nearly 70 percent of schools function under the Provincial Government. Forty percent of the road network comes within the purview of Provincial Councils. Nearly 70 percent of hospitals across the country operate under the provincial Governments.

Q: What are the shortcomings you find in the provincial council system?

A: Lack of resources is the main shortcoming which I see in the Provincial Council System. For instance when the education sector is taken, village schools experience a shortage of resources including teachers.

Due to the lack of adequate resources in the village parents prefer to send their children to popular schools in the town. This mentality is deep-rooted in the minds of parents. If village schools are developed at least to a certain extent, parents will then opt for schools in the village.

I hope to take necessary steps to develop village schools after I am elected to the Southern Provincial Council. Provincial Councils ease the development work carried out by the Central Government by implementing small, medium and major infrastructure and livelihood development projects on behalf of the Central Government.

Q: What are the solutions you propose to address the unemployment problem?

A: Motivating people towards self-employment and encouraging educated youth by telling them about the rapid development of private sector institutions. Starting self-employment projects using raw material which is available in the region. Investment Promotion Minister Lakshman Yapa Abeywardana plans to set up an investment zone for the Hakmana electorate. When this takes place a large number of people in the area will be either employed directly or indirectly..

Attention should paid on new products which have market opportunities locally and internationally, without depending only on the garment industry.

Hakmana is famous for cinnamon. A large amount of foreign exchange can be earned by producing quality products using cinnamon as the raw material and exporting them. The value of cinnamon will also increase. A large number of people will receive direct and indirect employment if a cinnamon based plant is set up in Hakmana. People should come out of traditional products and should think of novel products. Then the products from villages can capture a a large segment in the market.

Certain areas in the Matara district are famous for certain products. For instance Deniyaya and Pasgoda are well-known for tea, while Hakmana is famous for cinnamon.

Q: Eventhough you are a newcomer you have enough experience in politics. Are you satisfied with the ongoing development work across the country?

A: Nearly 70 percent development work is over now. The foreign investment inflow is at a satisfactory level due to the prevailing peaceful environment and the development of infrastructure facilities. New harbours, highways and airports have been constructed. Road development in the country is successfully being implemented specially infrastructure development.

The factories which operate in Colombo and produce diverse products can use the service or rural women. For instance garment factories can make use of the talent of rural women by sending to stitch portions of the garment items which they produce. While doing their household work the village women can earn money.

Q: Can you outline what industries have been identified in the Matara district to be developed?

A: A huge amount of money has been spent on thetourism sector . But the facilities required for tourists should be developed. Tourists come to Sri Lanka to visit our natural attractions and historical places. Facilities for tourists should be developed to attract more and more tourists.

The Government has implemented various tourism promotion programs. Facilities for beach sports can be developed. There are reservoirs in Hakmana and Matara. Recreational facilities close to these reservoirs can be developed.

There are diverse recreational parks for children and adults in Australia. If the tourists visited once they should be made to visit once again.

While developing the tourism industry we should not forget to protect our cultural and traditional values.

Q: What are the advantages which go to the people in the province through the Provincial Council system?

A: People in the province gain ample benefit from the Provincial Council system as the Provincial Councils have close links with the people. Provincial Councils work for the betterment of the people. They do the work that is difficult to be carried out by the Pradeshiya Sabhas.

Q: Can you outline the programs you plan to solve the problems of youth?

A: I see there are two types of youth. Sri Lanka has reached the top in education. According to authoritative statistics, education ratio of this country is 98 percent. There are enough youth with professional qualification to be appointed to high rank positions.

The shortcoming is the people should be given room to practice whatever the religion they follow and to live protecting their ethnic identity.

Q: Are you facing any challenges in your propaganda campaign?

A: When it comes to propaganda campaign various criticisms will be levelled. Tales can be carried by tale careers. It is a normal practice in politics. There must be challenges and without any challenge we can achieve nothing.

Challenges are the steps which takes one up the ladder of success. Only when there are challenges we will work for the victory. If there is no challenge it will seem like the competition between rabbit and tortoise. I welcome all criticisms levelled against me. Criticisms comes against me as I am in the frontline.

Q: What motivated you to enter politics?

A: I was brought up in a political environment because my father is a politician.

I learned a lot about politics from my father. In addition I am very keen to work with the people with desire and dedication.

Q: Can you say something about yourself?

A: I have completed two degrees and currently doing law. In sports I have won the third place in table tennis in South Asia. I was the captain of Royal College Table tennis team. Ten times I have won the first place in table tennis in Sri Lanka.

Q: What are the programs you plan to implement jointly with "Tharunyata Hetak" Chairman Namal Rajapaksa (MP)?

A: I will extend all support to Namal Rajapaksa MP to strengthen his service to expedite youth service. I have formed a youth society called "Matara Yowun Pawra" and nearly 10,000 youth have registered with it so far. These youth will be merged with the "Tharunyata Hetak team".