Sajith Premadasa questions government over graduate unemployment

Opposition Leader Sajith Premadasa has challenged the Sri Lankan government in Parliament regarding delays in fulfilling election-period promises to provide employment for unemployed graduates. Raising the issue under Standing Order 27(2), Premadasa requested official data on the total number of unemployed graduates in the country and an update on the progress of existing employment programmes.

Premadasa demanded a clear timeline for filling public sector vacancies across ministries, departments, and provincial councils, specifically inquiring if these positions would be filled by the end of 2026. He also sought clarification on the recruitment of development officers and the integration of graduate development officers into the teaching service.

Beyond the public sector, the Opposition Leader advocated for the creation of more opportunities within the private sector to address the issue. He noted that with the upcoming budget, the government should possess the necessary data and strategic plans to tackle graduate unemployment effectively.