Program to create 100,000 job opportunities in January

COLOMBO (News 1st) - The government has decided to start the program to create 100,000 job opportunities with the aim to eradicate poverty on January 15th. A discussion led by President Gotabaya Rajapaksa regarding this initiative was held today (December 18). This initiative is being carried out by the Multi-Purpose Development Task Force for youth who have not received higher education and members of the families eligible for Samurdhi concessions and yet who do not receive them. The discussion led by the President laid the foundation to initiate this project. A number of people between 300 to 350 from every Divisional Secretariat are to be recruited to this program. They will be trained and attached to fill in vacancies in schools, hospitals, and other state institutions which do not require educational qualifications. According to the release issued by the President's media division, the recruiting and the training will be done under the purview of the Ministry of Defence and the Tri Forces. President stated that the most important part of the process is recruitment. He added that the entire program would be in jeopardy if they recruit unsuitable people based on personal agendas. President added that they intend to target the most underprivileged and added, therefore, it is very important how the recruitment is carried out. He added that they will recruit people from remote areas. He further added that the recruits should be able to travel from their residences to the program centre and they could continue the program with fresh recruits after the first batch reaches a certain standard. President added that the recruits will not have to hope for a Rs 3500 Samurdhi concession once they are skilled to have jobs with a salary close to Rs 35,000-40,000.