Discarded talent

Sri Lanka needs to develop fast. Without fast development the country’s socio-economic problems cannot be resolved.

One of the prime factors in development is the availability of human resources. Hence human resource development takes priority in any development agenda.

Our country has a vast reservoir of youth. They are also talented. However, the deficiencies in our education system hinder the use of such talent for the country’s development. For example, our Universities could accommodate only 20 to 25 percent of the students who qualify for University entrance. The rest have to find alternative means of vocational, professional or academic tertiary education. Even for these the resources available in the country are limited.

Though those who could afford go abroad for higher education the vast majority remain discontented with no opportunities for furthering their education or finding employment.

The vast number of unemployed youth is a burden on the society. It is discarded talent that could be made use of productively. The only drawback is the lack of opportunities. It is criminal wastage of young talent at their age of prime productivity.

Though the education system is always blamed for youth unemployment it is rather the non-development of the economy that is responsible for it. This has created a situation where the youth look forward for public sector jobs, mostly white collar. The result has been over-staffing of public sector institutions with resulting loss of productivity and economic viability.

The private sector needs youth with required skills. Therefore, facilities for skills development should be enhanced. The Government should take into consideration the skills requirements for its development program and implement a project to develop them.

If Sri Lanka is to advance to the level of a developed country in the not too distant future priority should be given to human resource development, among others. This requires greater financial allocations from the national budget. Emphasis should be made to develop the skills required for productive sectors of the economy which alone could provide a surplus for accumulation.

Since the financial resources of the Universities are limited the Government must devise a system of optimal use of the resources of the University system. Perhaps it could avoid duplication of expenses under a system of mutual cooperation among Universities. Resources for research could also be better utilized if the Universities pool their resources on agreed projects.

The University system should also be able to make amends for shutting up the large majority who qualify for University admission by starting diploma level courses for the discards.

There should also be a possibility of those in employment to develop their theoretical and practical knowledge by following suitable supplementary courses at Universities. Diploma holders from vocational or technical colleges should also be provided with a chance to enter University at a later stage to develop their knowledge and skills as is found in many countries.

Youth is our most valuable resource. No young talent and labour should be allowed to idle.

A disgrace

The Elections Department sources have said that Rs 22 million would be spent to remove the posters and cut-outs that would be put up by candidates at public places in violation of election laws.

This money comes from the Treasury. That means the public are paying for it.

In other words the public have to pay for the sins, misdeeds and law-breaking by candidates who aspire to become representatives of the people.

The law on public display of such propaganda material is clear. It is well known. The Elections Commissioner has also enlightened the candidates and political parties about the law.

There is no ambiguity. The politicians are breaking the law consciously and the public are paying for their removal.

This is a disgrace. Either the law should be obeyed or the culprits and not the public should pay for their removal.