Along with the euphoria that people feel many youth have hopes of better future prospects.
The Sunday Times spoke to a few university students to get their reactions regarding the end of the war and their post-war expectations.
Hashen Fernando (21), a second year Management Faculty student of the University of Colombo said he was relieved that the war was over and expenditure incurred on the war could now be used for development-based projects.
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| Hiran Ariyawansa |
Hashen Fernando |
Ravindra Perera |
K.A.K.Weeraratne |
“For many politicians the war was an excuse for anything. Now that the war is over, a political solution is needed,” he said.
Hashen said that the displaced should be resettled in their homes soon and measures should be taken to give stability to their lives.
“A book should be given to the hand of a youth who may have been holding a gun, to teach him the value of education and those who wish to pursue higher studies should be given the opportunities and support to do so. He also said soldiers who have been physically disabled by the war should be incorporated in the development of society.
Hiran Ariyawansa (24) a final year student of the Science Faculty of the University of Colombo said the time was now ripe for Sri Lankan intellectuals living abroad to return and serve the country.
He said some students of the science and medical faculties were of the opinion that once they finish their higher education they would leave the country in search of better prospects. But now with the end of the war many have changed their minds and are willing to stay back and serve the country.
Ravindra Perera (24) another Management Faculty student said the rich and untapped resources of the north east should be used for economic development.
K.A.K. Weeraratne (24), an Arts Faculty student, studying International Relations said the government should concentrate on developing good relations with western countries.
“Some western countries have a negative image of the country. It is important to make them feel that their support is needed,” he said.
Praveen Rajaratnam*, a student of the Faculty of Humanities of the Kelaniya University said the time was opportune for all people to collectively work towards the development of the country on a national level devoid of ethnic labels.
“War was a convenient excuse not to address many other pressing issues including the economic downturn. Now, these issues have to be addressed.
Mohommed Ishan Haniffa (25), a final year Engineering Faculty student of the Moratuwa University said now that the war has ended there would be a demand for jobs as development projects would commence.
“There is a lack of jobs in the engineering field but with infrastructure-related projects commencing, there would be so many job openings in many fields,” he said.
Ishan said although there is a global economic crisis, Sri Lanka would gradually see a developing economy with investments flowing into the country.
(Some names have been changed as requested) |
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