President Mahinda Rajapaksa advised minister and officers to take measures to prepare an education system that addresses the needs and demands of the present job market.

He gave these instructions when he met with the Ministers and officers of the Ministries of Higher Education, Youth Affairs and Skills Development, Scientific Affairs, and Sports on September 6 at Temple Trees.

Due to the dearth of relevant knowledge and skills required for certain fields, school leavers and graduates lose job opportunities, the President noted. Therefore, there is a timely need to revise the existing education system in line with the requirements of the job market, he said.

He also said that according to entrepreneurs, workers and technicians are brought from overseas for certain jobs. He emphasized the need for an attitudinal change with regard to vocational and technical education. All relevant bodies including schools, universities and vocational training institutes should come together to prepare an education system that suits the contemporary world, the President added.