President Gotabaya Rajapaksa addressing the Youth Congress of the Sri Lanka Podujana Peramuna (SLPP) requested the young supporters of the party to stand with him like they did during the presidential election to implement his policies during his tenure.
The President said that what the people wanted at the Presidential election was a leadership to guide the country on the right path, but not a person called Gotabaya Rajapaksa.
Addressing the Youth Congress at Temple Trees, President Rajapaksa said that he was committed to fulfill his promises while understanding the needs of the people.
He expressed his gratitude to the youth who contributed towards the transformation of the country on the right path.
The President pledged to “establish a highly efficient public sector which would be profitable while strengthening the economy”.
“Technology should be used as a bridge to work together with other countries for the benefit of country’s future prospects. There is an urgency to change the education system giving priority to modern technology and information communication,” the President said.
He said that expediting this process would create a large number of employment opportunities for the youth to earn a higher income. The President said that the youth, university students, when they reach the age of 20 must endeavour to take up jobs, taking developed countries as an example.
He said that the time had come to rectify the ill-effects of ragging in universities.
“The development of information technology will lead to enhance self-employment opportunities in many other sectors”. President said the growth in tourism, plantation and agricultural sectors would not only be a solution to the issue of unemployment in the country, but also would make the national economy stronger.
He advised the youth to use their time wisely without falling prey to misguided information.
Prime Minister Mahinda Rajapaksa said the youth had shown their eagerness to make a positive impact through recent initiatives launched by them.
The youth are the strength of a country. The Prime Minister commended the leadership taken by them to overcome challenges.
The Congress held with the participation of the youth, representing 160 electorates.