The Minister of Education, Higher Education, and Vocational Education, emphasized that vocational education and Prime Minister Dr. Harini Amarasuriya stated that an adequate attention is not drawn towards vocational education, but moving forward, necessary action will be taken to position it as a decisive subject in the country.
The Prime Minister made these remarks while participating in the inaugural ceremony of the "Shrama Meheyuma" programme launched today (July 4) at the Gampaha Technical College, centering vocational training institutions across the island with the aim of establishing a well-structured and attractive institutional system.
Addressing the event, the Prime Minister further stated:
I am grateful for forwarding the concept of Deputy Minister Nalin Hewage in initiating the ’Shrama Meheyuma’ across the country, focusing on vocational education. Even though the mission is initiated by ’Shrama Meheyuma’ programme, we aim at focusing the attention to vocational education and highlight its significance to the entire nation. Vocational education becomes a decisive subject of the country in the future. It is the Ministry of Education that is responsible for producing the human resources needed for the labour market. However, the portion that often goes unnoticed is the role of vocational education in creating that workforce.
Currently, there is a societal misconception that vocational education is a fallback option and something only pursued when one fails to enter a university. That notion is completely wrong. Choosing vocational education is a smart, meaningful, and highly relevant decision for both individual growth and national development.
The decision to pursue vocational education should not be a coincidence, nor should it be made in ignorance or at the last moment. It must be a conscious, informed decision based on one’s capabilities, interests, and understanding of the world.
That is why, in the upcoming 2026 education reforms, we have allocated a special focus on vocational education. These reforms are not minor adjustments. They go far beyond simply revising a subject stream.
We are planning to integrate vocational training from the school level itself. Through that, the government aims to develop and produce the human resources needed for a new era of national revival.
The Prime Minister affirmed that steps are being taken to elevate vocational education to a higher position in the country.
Addressing the event, Deputy Minister of Vocational Education, Mr. Nalin Hewage,
Major reforms are currently underway to achieve the policy of the government to guide the country toward a prosperous future and a dignified life in a national revival.
In order to realize this transformation, our institutions must first undergo modernization. Young people must evolve in their thinking. Although today’s youth have advanced with technology, our institutional systems lag far behind. Therefore, it is crucial to create a modern institutional environment that aligns with today’s youth. That is why we have launched this massive labour mission across 311 institutions in Sri Lanka, involving over 160,000 participants. This is just the beginning; we aim to create major national transformation through this sector.
Addressing the event, Deputy Minister of Labour, Mr. Mahinda Jayasinghe,
There are numerous courses offered by vocational training institutions under government, and students from all over the country, including the North and East are enrolling in them. However, some training centers are facing a shortage of students. We believe this is due to shortcomings in our education system. While several institutions operate under the Ministry of Labour, we plan to strengthen them further and ensure they deliver effective training.
The event was attended by the Deputy Minister of Education and Higher Education Dr. Madhura Withanage, Member of Parliament Lasith Bhaskantha, Secretary to the Ministry of Education, Higher Education, and Vocational Education Mr. Nalaka Kaluwawa, Mayor of Gampaha, District Secretary of Gampaha, Principal of the Gampaha Technical College Mr. P.M.K. Gomes, Government officials, parents, and students.
Prime Minister’s Media Division