The Hon. (Dr.) M.L.A.M. Hizbullah

¶ 01 In the name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful.

¶ 02 Hon. Deputy Chairperson of Committees, I welcome this important motion by my good friend, former Minister Hon. Ravi Karunanayake. The aim is that every youth over 18 should secure a livelihood and stable income, with guidance from the Government and Parliament.

¶ 03 Only a small percentage of the hundreds of thousands who sit A/Ls enter university. There are insufficient places in non-State universities, and loan facilities have not been effectively provided. The Government must expand local non-State university capacity and facilitate access properly.

¶ 04 Hon. Anil Jayantha and others are working on youth-focused plans—financing, technical support, business start-up grants and loans—through banks and other channels. Rather than only establishing institutions, we must create a special arrangement so that youth over 18 starting a business can access loans and technology under a dedicated scheme, building digital skills and knowledge that many countries already emphasize.

¶ 05 Our Deputy Minister of Economic Development is working enthusiastically to rebuild the economy; we must similarly secure the future of our youth.