Sri Lanka: PM Harini Amarasuriya Pledges to Uplift Vocational Education Amid National Reforms
By Lions Roar Aotearoa Education Desk
COLOMBO, SRI LANKA (Wednesday, January 28, 2026) — Prime Minister Dr. Harini Amarasuriya has announced that the government will place maximum priority on strengthening vocational training institutions and enhancing the quality of technical education as part of the country’s broader educational reforms.
The Prime Minister, who also serves as the Minister of Education, Higher Education, and Vocational Education, made these remarks yesterday (January 27) at the annual Diploma Award Ceremony of the Department of Technical Education and Training held at the Bandaranaike Memorial International Conference Hall (BMICH).
🎓 Honoring a New Wave of Skilled Professionals
The ceremony celebrated the achievements of students from across the island who successfully completed their NVQ Level 5 and Level 6 qualifications through the national network of technical colleges for the years 2023 and 2024.
- Targeting the Job Market: The primary goal of these programs is to produce high-quality professionals tailored to meet the specific demands of the modern Sri Lankan labor market.
- National Reach: Students from various technical colleges nationwide received their diplomas, marking their transition into the workforce as skilled technicians and supervisors.
🚀 Adapting to a Rapidly Changing World
Addressing the graduates, Dr. Amarasuriya highlighted the historic significance of technical education in Sri Lanka, which spans over a century, while urging students to remain adaptable.
“To face the future uncertainties caused by the rapid pace of global change, skills must be constantly upgraded. You must never lose the curiosity and desire to learn new things. The most important gift a vocational training institute gives you is learning ‘how to learn’.”
📊 Vocational Education Priorities: 2026 and Beyond
| Focus Area | Government Action Plan |
| Institutional Strength | Upgrading infrastructure and equipment in existing technical colleges. |
| Quality Control | Ensuring NVQ levels align with international industry standards. |
| Youth Employment | Creating direct links between vocational institutes and private sector employers. |
| Lifelong Learning | Encouraging continuous professional development post-graduation. |
🛡️ Leading Economic and Social Growth
The Prime Minister emphasized that today’s graduates are not just job seekers but essential stakeholders in the country’s economic and social trajectory. She expressed confidence that the new diploma holders would become valuable citizens both for Sri Lanka and the global stage.
