Prime Minister and Minister of Education, Higher Education and Vocational Education Harini Amarasuriya has reaffirmed the government’s commitment to strengthening vocational education, stating that investments in the sector aim to create a human resource capable of directly contributing to national economic development.
She made these remarks at a ceremony held at the BMICH in Colombo to mark the milestone of awarding one million National Vocational Qualification (NVQ) certificates by the Tertiary and Vocational Education Commission (TVEC).
At the event, awards were presented to vocational and technical training institutions that contributed to the achievement, while the Prime Minister personally handed over the one-millionth NVQ certificate to a student.
PM Amarasuriya emphasized that the milestone reflects the dedication of young men and women across the country: “This is not just a milestone celebration. Behind these 10 lakh NVQ certificates are 10 lakh young men and women. What we celebrate today is their hard work, dedication, and the moment their future dreams became reality.”
She noted that ongoing education reforms place special focus on vocational training, with plans to integrate vocational pathways into schools and extend them to higher education. The government is also introducing the concept of life‑long learning, enabling students and adults to continue education at different stages of life.
A five‑year plan for the sector has already been introduced, which includes major investments to upgrade infrastructure and ensure quality in vocational education centers. The Prime Minister welcomed the private sector’s role in building human resources and highlighted plans to provide industrial training opportunities for students pursuing vocational education at Advanced Level.
Deputy Minister of Vocational Education Nalin Hewage, addressing the gathering, underscored the sector’s responsibility in national development. He stressed that policymakers must ensure every student is guided into a structured educational path and announced plans for a nationwide awareness programme on the value of vocational education. (Newswire)