The government has decided to renew a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between Sri Lanka’s Tertiary and Vocational Education Commission (TVEC) and the Philippines-based Asia-Pacific Accreditation and Certification Commission (APACC) to strengthen the country’s technical and vocational education and training sector.

The Cabinet of Ministers has approved a proposal submitted by Prime Minister Harini Amarasuriya, in her capacity as Minister of Education, Higher Education and Vocational Education, to proceed with signing the new agreement.

According to the Cabinet decision, the two institutions had previously entered into a five-year agreement aimed at advancing accreditation and certification standards within Sri Lanka’s technical and vocational education and training system.

However, as the validity period of the previous agreement has expired, a new MoU has been proposed to continue and expand cooperation between the two institutions.

The proposed agreement aims to strengthen regional cooperation in vocational education and obtain technical assistance from APACC to improve the quality and standards of vocational education in Sri Lanka.

It also seeks to promote international accreditation and certification for institutions providing vocational training, while further strengthening Sri Lanka’s National Vocational Qualifications (NVQ) Framework.

Additionally, the agreement is expected to facilitate the appointment of a National Coordinator for Accreditation in Sri Lanka.

Another key objective is to identify and train local accreditors in accordance with APACC procedures and standards to support future accreditation activities.

The Cabinet has accordingly granted approval for the two institutions to sign the proposed agreement. (Newswire)

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Minister of Vocational Education, Prime Minister Harini Amarasuriya, says 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 (04 July) at the Gampaha Technical College.

Addressing the event, PM Amarasuriya said it is the Ministry of Education that is responsible for producing the human resources needed for the labour market, but the portion that often goes unnoticed is the role of vocational education in creating that workforce.

“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,” she said. 

PM Amarasuriya further affirmed that steps are being taken to elevate vocational education to a higher position in the country.

Also addressing the event, Deputy Minister of Vocational Education, Nalin Hewage, said 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.

“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,” he said. 

Addressing the event, Deputy Minister of Labour, Mahinda Jayasinghe, said there are numerous courses offered by vocational training institutions under the 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,” he said. 

Full speech of Prime Minister Harini Amarasuriya;

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 the ‘Shrama Meheyuma’ programme, we aim at focusing attention on vocational education and highlighting its significance to the entire nation. Vocational education becomes a decisive subject for 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.

Full speech of Deputy Minister of Vocational Education, 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. (Newswire)

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