Protests held in Colombo over employment, import restriction issues

COLOMBO (News1st): Protests were held in Colombo citing several problems including employment and import restrictions on Wednesday. Students who graduated from the Kelaniya University between 2009 and 2013, staged a protest seeking permanent jobs in the state sector. They complained that they had been disqualified from receiving state jobs under the current government's plan to offer jobs for unemployment graduates. "4000 children will have to wait for many more years (to receive a job). We request the President to give us that opportunity," one protester demanded. The Joint Development Officers' Center staged a silent protest opposite the Fort Railway Station demanding permanent employment, and a guarantee that their training period will not be extended. The group were given opportunity of having discussions with officials of the Ministry of Finance. The All Ceylon Motorcycle Dealers Association also gathered at the protest site near the Presidential Secretariat this morning. They pointed out that they are unable to pay the salaries of employees and settle their rent,  due to the newly imposed import restrictions. "...the income of all these people will be disrupted and they will become extremely helpless in another two months," a protester pointed out. Employees seeking permanent jobs at the National Water Supply and Drainage Board and the Department of Archaeology also staged protests.