The minister said so during a debate on a motion moved by the Opposition at the time of adjournment of the House on issues pertaining to the pensions gratuity payments.

Minister Amaraweera said that the government would strengthen not only the public sector but also the private sector. “There are hundred thousands of jobs available in the private sector, but we have no qualified labour supply to meet that demand.”

He said it was high time that the government involve in safeguarding the job security of private sector employees. “The last UNP regime pruned down the public sector cadre strength. Had this government could not bring about changes, there would not have any public sector to talk about today. Sathosa was one of the public sector ventures that had been destroyed under the Ranil Wickremesinghe regime. That regime sold out many public sector institutions including the Insurance Corporation, Sri Lankan airline, Gas Company. There were plans to privatize state banks, electricity and water.”

“Today the government service had been expanded by two-fold thanks to President Mahinda Rajapaksa. It was this government that gave jobs to unemployed graduates. Today those graduates render a dedicated service for the development of this country,” the Minister added.

Special Reporter