National Policy for Human Resource Development in the offing

By L.S. Ananda WEDAARACHCHI

A National Policy for Human Resource Development and Employment will be launched, said Senior Minister of Human Resource Development DEW Gunasekera in an interview with the Sunday Observer.

He said that the task for which Cabinet approval had been obtained is nearing completion.

Excerpts of the interview:

Q: The education system plays a major role for the optimum utilisation of human resources which is vital for development. No doubt that Sri Lanka's education system is outdated, your comments.

A: We should realise the current needs of the country. Sri Lanka is no longer an agricultural country. The contribution of the service sector to the GDP ranks the highest. It provides more job opportunities.

The reality is that some sectors do not get sufficient skilled manpower to fill vacancies. About 500,000 youths sit annually for GCE (O/L) examination but only 300,000 qualify for university entrance. The dropouts amount to over 200,000. Only 25,000 could seek admission to State universities.

This is a proof of the poor education system and the tragedy of the youth. This situation has to change. When Deng Ziya O Peng came to power in China 10,000 youths were sent to Europe for higher studies on electronics and engineering. They are the leaders of today's China.

They took a lead in China's crash development programme. Human resource development is vital for the economy. President Mahinda Rajapaksa has understood its importance to the country.

Q: What are your proposals to reform the present education system in Sri Lanka?

A: We should implement a system of education which will help youth to be competent to steer the economy.

Some of the subjects in the secondary and higher education curriculum cannot cater to the present day needs.

New subjects and new methods have to be introduced to the secondary and higher education curriculum. In India there is a planning commission and a minister of human resource development instead of a Minister of Education.

Q: Dr. S.A. Wickramasinghe, Philip Gunawardena and Dr. N.M. Perera and other leftist politicians pioneered the leftist movement in Sri Lanka. There is an argument today that the present leaders of LSSP and CP have deviated from the gospel of the gurus. The JVP is very vociferous in its criticism of this scenario. Your comments?

A: The Left Movement was launched against colonialism and capitalism. During the past seven decades a major change has taken place locally and globally.

The Left Movement in Sri Lanka had successfully faced challenges and fulfilled its mission for the betterment of the working class. The October revolution changed the face of Russia and led to the transition from capitalism to communism.

The theories in the Das Capital are still valid and the world is accepting the philosophy to develop economies. Some segments of the JVP are running after its founder Rohana Wijeweera to restructure the party while they should in fact go after Karl Marx if they need to effect a true change.

Q: What is your opinion about USA policies towards Middle East and Asia?

A: America has been in crisis for years and they have no way of getting rid of the crisis. China, India, Brazil, Russia and South Africa have become emerging economies in the world, with Asia - the controlling world economy.

Imperialist countries led by America seek refuge in Asia for survival when they cannot cope with global changes. They act in the guise of human rights and war crimes to suppress other countries.

Q: How do you look at the JVP's internal conflict?

A: The JVP has been changed its policies and stance from its inception.

The JVP found in 1960s based on Mao Zedong's policies and the Chinese leaders. The present Chinese leaders conceded that the policies practised by their leaders in 1969 were wrong and it led to youth unrest.

Rohana Wijeweera who contested the Presidential election supported separatism and Tamil demand for self-determination.

After few years the JVP subsequently changed their policies and were supported the one country policy and Anti India policy. Once they teamed up for a coalition government and now they are against it. It is no wonder that such a political party could change its stance to suit its political needs.

Q: When will the next COPE report be out?

A: For the first time this Parliamentary body had investigated 249 government ventures including universities, corporations, and other institutions. The previous COPE committees investigated only less than 20 State institutions.

Some State ventures such as the Moratuwa University were commended for excellent management. Inefficient and unsuccessful institutions will be exposed in our report to be presented to Parliament during the budget debate.