The Socialist Youth Union (SYU) calls on the youth of Sri Lanka to unite to change the fraudulent political system led by President Gotabaya Rajapaksa and his administration that came to power, deceiving the love of the youth of this country and turned their backs on them.SYU invites the youth of the country to turn towards a new path.
Speaking at a media briefing convened by the Socialist Youth Union at the JVP headquarters today (7th) morning, its National Organizer Erangu Gunasekera said that Gotabaya Rajapaksa’s third budget has also not given anything to the youth of the country who voted for the ‘Vision of prosperity’.
Eranga Gunasekara, National Organizer of the Socialist Youth Union, Anjana Sampath Amarasinghe, Member of the National Committee and Shanika Silva, Member of the National Committee, were also present at the media briefing. Following are the full text of their comments at the press conference.
National Organizer Eranga Gunasekara said, “The 3rd budget has been presented under the ;vision of prosperity;. Gotabaya Rajapaksa is the leader who received the highest power in the country after J.R Jayewardene. The hopes and involvement of the youth who lived in the country and abroad contributed significantly to giving him so much power. After previous political victories, the youth gathered in front of the politicians’ offices who won the election to reap the benefits. However, this time the culture changed, and young people volunteered to beautify cities and cultivate barren fields at their own expense. They had high hopes for the rule of Gotabaya Rajapaksa.
The budget debate of the Ministry of Youth and Sports will be held on the 9th. The President launched a programme called ‘Vision for Prosperity’ three years ago. That is what created the dreams of the youth. But in this budget the Ministry of Youth and Sports Expenditure Head shows the difference between a dream and the reality. Rs. 5574 million has been allocated for that ministry. Only Rs. 494 million has been allocated to enhance youth participation. But it was stated on page 21 of ‘Vision for Prosperity’ that a programme would be made to give university opportunities to all those who pass the Advanced Level. There is no such proposal in this budget. It had stated that the existing universities would be transformed into ‘Smart Learning Universities’.
Nevertheless, no such proposal has been made. It was also stated that technical faculties affiliated with universities would be established. These proposals have not been included in the third year budget of the President. Furthermore, we do not know if this rule will last for another two years. We would like to ask the government what happened to these proposals.
The budget states that Rs. 150 million has been allocated for young entrepreneurs. But on page 21 of ‘Vision for Prosperity, it is stated that a National Youth Fund will be established. It says a fund of Rs.1000 million will be set up. What happened to that 1000 million fund? It is stated on page 22 that young people will be provided with tabs, smartphones etc., and a loan facility will be provided for technical updates. However, now, we are questioning the government as to what is the relevant direction in the budget. 656 million has been allocated to build a sports economy in Sri Lanka. On page 26 of the Prosperity Vision it is said that an International Sports University will be started. It was stated that 09 faculties affiliated to the university would be established at the provincial level. But we question where that programme is in this budget. On page 21 of ‘Vision of Prosperity’ it is stated that a system will be created in which employment will come to the graduates. But now the graduate is getting tear gas and baton charges instead of a job. About 15,000-20,000 graduates are unemployed at present. Meanwhile, there are more than 900 Ayurvedic doctors. We ask Minister Namal Rajapaksa what steps the Ministry of Youth Affairs has taken to address this issue.
The Minister of Finance has stated that he will not recruit to the public service for two years. It has been said that the public service is a burden to the country. It has been said that the retirement age will be increased to 65 years. This means that the door to government service has been closed to unemployed youth, including graduates, for five years
The Prime Minister presented a supplementary estimate on October 12. Through this he allocated Rs. 130 million for the renovation of the Prime Minister’s official residence. The Prime Minister’s Office presented a supplementary estimate on November 08 and allocated Rs. 100 million for foreign travel, office equipment and services. While saying there is an economic crisis in the country, a sum of Rs.220 million was allocated for their facilities within two months. Minister of Finance Basil Rajapaksa also submitted a supplementary estimate and allocated Rs. 80 million on November 16. We ask how the Rajapaksa family, including Gotabaya Rajapaksa, can justify allocating such extra money when farmers, fishermen, workers, youth and women have problems.
Looking at all this, it seems that Gotabaya Rajapaksa has given the boot for the aspirations of the youth of this country. This 2022 budget is the same. We ask the youth of this country to consider whether the burden on this country is the corrupt politicians who have taken over the country for five years or the public servants who have been in the country for 65 years. The leader appointed by the youth with high hopes and his allies are further destroying this country. They are ruining your dreams. Your love has been deceived. You have to change this deceitful, corrupt ‘deal’ politics and rally to turn this country on a new path.”
