State minister Palitha Range Bandara says Sri Lankan youth now have the opportunity to follow a degree course in a Australian university and have the work permit in Australia. The four year degree course can be completed in four stages. The students are entitled to an allowance during the period of studies. The students who complete the degree successful will be granted with work permit. The state minister revealed these facts at a press briefing held at his ministry today. The minister further said that there are about 15 thousand vacancies for masons in the building construction sector in Sri Lanka. There is also a severe shortage of carpenters. 

The government is to implement a programme to train youth for these professions.