Opposition Leader Sajith Premadasa Criticizes Government Over Unemployed Graduates Issue

13-Aug-2025

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One year after assuming power, the National People's Power government has failed to resolve many issues, especially unemployment among graduates. 

Opposition leader Sajith Premadasa stated that graduates have been let down again under this administration, similar to previous governments.

At a press conference in Colombo on August 11, he said: "Though the government has been in power for about a year, 40,000 unemployed graduates still await jobs on the streets. During election campaigns, many schemes were promised under the manifesto titled "Prosperous Country, Beautiful Life," but none have been implemented to date. 

The government has broken promises made to graduates, including employment opportunities for 35,000 graduates and teacher posts for 20,000.

The government had pledged appointments in customs, clerical services, tourism, foreign employment sectors, and more, with graduates to be included. However, none of these promises have been fulfilled despite winning three elections.

Graduates were used as political vote banks but are now being ignored by those in power. There is suspicion that fear of the International Monetary Fund (IMF) is behind the failure to provide jobs.

Like previous governments, the current administration seems to stifle the aspirations of young generations out of IMF concerns. 

Graduates are not mere political pawns but educated members of society and national assets. Continued betrayal is unacceptable.

Proper training programs should be introduced to strengthen the economy using graduates’ potential. It is urged to employ them, provide world-class training, and engage them in vital sectors. This deceptive political practice must end. The United People’s Power calls for permanent solutions to graduates’ issues.