In a landmark moment for Sri Lanka – Australia relations, Her Excellency the Honourable Sam Mostyn AC, Governor-General of Australia, made history as the first Australian Head of State to visit Sri Lanka. As part of her official visit, the Australian High Commission convened a high-level roundtable focused on education, skills development, and inclusive opportunity bringing together key stakeholders from Sri Lanka’s education and industry sectors.
Among the select invitees was Kalum De Silva, Managing Director of Australasian Academy, who represented the vocational education sector. De Silva has been a vocal advocate for purpose-driven investment in education, healthcare, and climate-aligned sectors.
Repositioning Vocational Education as a Strategic Driver
Speaking at the roundtable, De Silva emphasized the critical role of Vocational Education and Training (VET) in shaping Sri Lanka’s future workforce. He called for a national reframing of VET not as a secondary option, but as a strategic enabler of economic resilience and social mobility.
“Vocational education must be central to Sri Lanka’s development agenda,” De Silva noted. “It empowers individuals, strengthens industries, and creates scalable pathways to employment and entrepreneurship.”
Australasian Academy, which De Silva founded, delivers globally recognised Australian qualifications through partnerships with leading institutions such as:
- Holmesglen Institute
- ANIBT – Australian National Institute of Business and Technology
The Academy’s programs focus on high-impact sectors including aged care, IT, and hospitality—areas that align with both domestic priorities and international workforce demand.
A Platform for Policy Dialogue and Bilateral Collaboration
The roundtable provided a unique opportunity for Sri Lankan education leaders to engage directly with the Governor-General and Australian officials on the future of skills development. Discussions centred on strengthening public-private partnerships, aligning curricula with industry needs, and promoting vocational pathways as first-choice options for learners.
De Silva’s contributions underscored the importance of integrating VET into national policy frameworks and investing in educator capacity, infrastructure, and global mobility.
Strengthening Ties Through Education
The Governor-General’s visit signals a deepening of bilateral ties between Sri Lanka and Australia, particularly in the realm of human capital development. Stakeholders expressed optimism about future collaboration in vocational training, technical education, and workforce readiness.
De Silva expressed gratitude for the opportunity to represent the sector, noting that “Australasian Academy remains committed to delivering future-ready education that meets global standards while addressing local needs.”
As Sri Lanka navigates its next chapter of growth, leaders like De Silva continue to advocate for education models that are inclusive, scalable, and aligned with the demands of a rapidly evolving global economy.
