Yohan Perera Courtesy The Daily Mirror

Samagi Jana Balawegaya (SJB) leader Sajith Premadasa today refuted the claims made by the government that he had got the election commission to cancel the appointments given to 44,000 unemployed graduates in the state sector and said he will provide employment to them within a week if elected as the Prime Minister.

Mr. Premadasa told a media conference that he would provide permanent employment to all unemployed graduates within a week if elected as the Prime Minister.

Asked as to how he could ensure his election victory and under which party or symbol he would contest, Mr. Premadasa said these would be finalised soon.

Mr. Premadasa said the government had ample time to provide employment to the graduates but did not do it. The government promised to provide employment to all unemployed graduates during the Presidential elections. Then a promise was given that they will be given appointment in January. Then the government said it will be done in February. This followed by another assurance that it will be done in March. Finally, they posted appointment letters shortly before the dissolution of Parliament. However, the Chairman of the Election Commission cancelled the appointments claiming them to be a move to capture votes. Why blame me for this? He questioned while stating that the graduates were to be paid only Rs 20,000, Mr. Premadasa said this allowance will be increased if he is elected as Prime Minister in April this year.