Vocational education will be promoted targeting the job market…
Prime Minister Dr. Harini Amarasuriya stated that the government had recognized the importance of providing vocational training aligned with the job market and accordingly Vocational education will be promoted targeting the job market
The Prime Minister made these remarks while attending the certificate awarding ceremony for students who successfully completed courses at the Motor Engineering Training Institute known as Japan Tech of the National Apprentice and Industrial Training Authority (NAITA), held on September 30 at the Bandaranaike Memorial International Conference Hall, Colombo.
This was the 31st certificate awarding ceremony organized by the institution, and the Prime Minister participated as the Chief Guest and awards and certificates were awarded to the students who demonstrated the highest levels of excellence in the training courses conducted by the Motor Engineering Training Institute.
Addressing the gathering thereafter, the Prime Minister commended on the Japan Tech Institute, with its history of over 50 years, as one of the finest training institutes in Sri Lanka in the field of motor engineering and technology and emphasized that developing vocational education is of vital importance in minimizing the unemployment issues faced by youth.
Further, the Prime Minister noted that the government is currently working to address challenges in regards to proper training being provided through existing state and private institutions, and the level at which such training leads to employment opportunities.
The Prime Minister further stated:
Today, as you walk away with this certificate as a citizen who has gained education and training. We also expect that you will fulfill your civic responsibility. It is a privilege to receive this training. I wish you may also gain the strength and courage to fulfill the responsibilities you hold as a citizen of this country, and actively contribute to its development joining hands with us to build a prosperous country and a beautiful life for all.
Addressing the ceremony, Deputy Minister of Public Security and Parliamentary Affairs, Attorney-at-Law Sunil Watagala, highlighted the importance of directing rehabilitated youth who are recovering through specialized rehabilitation centers for dangerous drugs towards vocational training programs after their rehabilitation period.
He further stressed that in this era where the new government is undertaking numerous development initiatives for the progress of the nation, the cooperation of youth who undergo such training programs is extremely valuable for the success of these initiatives.
The event was attended by the Deputy Ambassador of Japan to Sri Lanka, Mr. Naoaki Kamoshida; the Chief Representative of JICA Sri Lanka, Mr. Kenji Kuronuma; Chairman of NAITA, Mr. Abdul Sattar; Director of the Motor Engineering Training Institute, Mr. D.L.A.K. Disanayake; Additional Secretary to the Ministry of Education, Higher Education, and Vocational Training, Ms. Himali Athaudage; as well as other distinguished invitees, faculty members of the institute, certificate recipients, and their parents.
Prime Minister’s Media Division