Kandy - Politicians should not restrict their relationship with the people to the times of elections only. They must carry on a continuous rapport and interaction with the people to understand them and help them live a contented life, Public Administration and Home Affairs Minister Dr. Sarath Amunugama said at Nugawela on Sunday (03).

He was addressing the members of the 'Amunugama Sumithuro' Organisation at the Nugawela Assembly Hall.

The common practice of the politicians of Sri Lanka was to have their doors open during elections and shut them later till the next elections came, Dr. Amunugama said.

"Politicians are seen at least in a tent erected outside during elections and the day after the election the tent will be rolled up and the gates closed," he said.

Usually, he said, politicians live a life away from the ordinary folk isolated from those who had voted for them and had full faith in them. Dr. Amunugama said as a practice, he met the people of his Galagedara constituency and elsewhere constantly at his Nugawela office.

Political leaders should not give promises to the people that could not be implemented. It was the duty of leaders to give the correct guidance and advice to those who follow them, he said.

Opportunities to air their grievances and help to overcome their problemsmust be given, he said.

The demand by most people was employment. The parents were worried about the unemployment of their young sons and daughters. Under ordinary circumstances it was the bounden duty of the politicians to create opportunities and help youth find suitable jobs, he said.

The youth asked for jobs and he said jobs were available only for those qualified in their respective fields. Qualification did not mean only the GCE, O/Level and A/Level, certificate.

Jobs were also available for those with the vocational training. There were many vocational training institutions in the country.

Young children should be directed to follow a suitable course in a vocational training institute.

In this field, politicians themselves could take the initiative to provide more and diversified courses of vocational training for the youth, he said.

Dr. Amunugama said that it was with that objective that the ‘Sarath Amunugama Foundation’ had started the Computer Training Institute and the Gem and Jewellery Vocational Training Institute.

‘Amunugama Sumithuro’ Co-ordinator Miss Indrani Thoradeniya also spoke. Central Provincial Council Member Dilum Amunugama and several others were also present at the meeting.