The government plans to strengthen vocational training programs in coordination with schools to better prepare workers for both local and international job opportunities, while improving the quality of candidates sent abroad.
Sri Lanka's government is moving to expand vocational training initiatives as part of broader education reforms aimed at addressing employment needs in both domestic and foreign markets. Deputy Minister of Housing, Construction and Water Supply T.B. Sarath outlined the plans while speaking at an event organized by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Foreign Employment and Tourism to promote overseas job opportunities for Sri Lankan workers.
According to the Deputy Minister, significant employment prospects exist for Sri Lankans internationally, with workers possessing proper professional qualifications commanding higher salaries. Sri Lankan laborers have historically enjoyed strong reputations and earned trust in many foreign countries, though the Deputy Minister acknowledged this reputation was damaged in the past when unqualified individuals were sent overseas due to political favoritism and personal connections rather than merit.
The government has committed to reversing this trend by implementing rigorous selection criteria based on actual job requirements and ensuring candidates receive adequate training before departing the country. As part of the education reform initiative, certain schools may be converted into or integrated with vocational training centers, leveraging their existing facilities to provide specialized instruction. These centers would be designed to equip workers with skills aligned to the specific needs of both local employers and international labor markets.
The Deputy Minister emphasized that this collaborative approach between educational institutions and government agencies would strengthen Sri Lanka's workforce quality and help restore confidence in the nation's foreign employment sector.
