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Youth vote for stability, education and health
View(s):Nearly a million newly registered voters exercised their franchise at the presidential election.
Krishnamoorthy
Young voters concerned about the country’s future want the new leader to maintain stability as well as boost education and health.
Some youngsters voted for Mahinda Rajapaksa but said they would support the new leader in his programme for the country.
Nineteen-year-old Krishnamoorthy of Wellawatte said he wanted change. He is banking on the hope that Maithripala Sirisena would improve education and health and give security to the younger generation.
Mitila Nanayakkara of Polhengoda also feels change is good for Sri Lanka and wants the new government to boost English education, and. Another young voter agreed, saying the government should ensure that every Sri Lankan receives quality English teaching in order to qualify for better jobs.
Akieel Ahamed
Udeni Lakmali from Udyanapura said she expects an era of freedom, essential for the country’s unity.
Akieel Ahamed, 19, of Wellawatte, was voting at an election for the second time in his life. “May the new leader serve the public,” he said. He was glad that people were able to vote peacefully.
Udeni Lakmali
Supuni Wijesinghe, 21, of Nittambuwa, said every member of the new government should be principled and upright.
“This was my first presidential election. It was peaceful, with lots of people voting. Whoever becomes president must serve the country to the best of his ability,” Miss Wijesinghe said.
She expected a leader who would care for the economy. Young people need good jobs, she emphasised, a point also made by Damith Weerasinghe.
Others also queuing to vote said they wanted a leader who would not steal from the people.