Tamil unemployed graduates sweep roads in protests

Unemployed Tamil graduates from the Northern Province took to the streets in protest today, drawing attention to their ongoing struggle for employment. Dressed in their graduation cloaks, the protesters carried broomsticks and swept the streets as a symbolic gesture of their plight—qualified graduates forced into menial tasks due to a lack of job opportunities.

The demonstration, organized by the Northern Employment Association, began with a rally and leaflet distribution in Jaffna city. Protesters highlighted their frustrations with the government’s inaction on addressing unemployment among graduates.

Sarvananda Shivam Sasikaran, President of the Northern Employment Association, stated, "We came, studied, graduated, and despite being qualified, we are still living on the streets. If we say that half of this is due to us, the government should take responsibility for the rest".

"It’s a miserable situation—graduates over 35 are unable to secure teaching positions or government jobs. We have written over 800 letters to the government, but our demands remain ignored... In Jaffna alone, 3,000 vacancies were approved, but where has that approval gone? It has been changed or delayed. We are asking for accountability and a permanent solution to this crisis."

The protesters pointed out that despite government announcements to fill tens of thousands of teacher vacancies, only a small fraction of these positions are allocated to the Northern Province. "Less than 500 positions are filled out of thousands of vacancies. Is this a fair solution for us?" asked Sasikaran.

The protest also aimed to address societal perceptions about university education. Protesters expressed concerns that higher education is increasingly viewed as a pathway to unemployment rather than opportunity, citing the lack of government support as a key factor. "We don’t need the government to find us jobs in the private sector—we are capable of doing that ourselves. What we demand is a permanent solution and government jobs that match our qualifications. We are asking for what we deserve based on our merit."

The graduates vowed to continue their non-violent protests, which have included petitioning the district secretariat and Members of Parliament, until their demands are met. They also announced plans for another demonstration at the district secretariat on 20th. 

As the protest concluded, Sasikaran reiterated the broader implications of their struggle, "this is not just about us—it’s about setting a precedent for future generations. If we receive the fair solutions we deserve, it will inspire confidence in our education system and society. The government must act now to recognize and address the needs of its educated community without delay."