The Prime Minister mentioned this on 25.07.2024 while attending a scholarship awarding ceremony held at the Maharagama Youth Service Council.
The Prime Minister commented at this occasion that -
"This is the beginning of a project that can give children a new confidence about the future. We appreciate the support and facilities provided by the Youth Service Council for providing this opportunity to students outside the school system around Maharagama.
It is difficult to obtain an acceptable professional qualification. The future world that we face is widely depended on the information technology. It is our responsibility to create a generation that can handle the necessary tools. President Ranil Wickremesinghe included the need to provide children with the opportunity for a professional qualification after completing their school life as a special program announced by our government in 2024. Accordingly, financial allocations will be given to the MPs annually. Today we offer you that opportunity by combining financial allocations, training courses and facilities.
I have been the MP for Maharagama for nearly forty years. When Former President J. R. Jayawardene came to open the Youth Service Council, I was there. Then the Minister of Youth Affairs and Education was the current President Ranil Wickremesinghe. At that time, the Youth Service Council offered various courses for the children of the country.
As the Maharagama Member of Parliament, I was able to provide these allocations received, to areas where development, training and education can be increased. You should become strong with an acceptable training course. The opportunity will be provided for children who are leaving the school after Advanced Level, Ordinary Level etc.
There is no wealth for children than the knowledge. Our intention is to make you a qualified person. Through this, the training as well as certificates which are nationally and internationally recognized will be given. According to the declared program, the government’s aim is to provide education to every child in every Divisional Secretariat division in Sri Lanka..."
Prime Minister’s Media