Education, Higher Education, and Vocational Education Minister and Prime Minister Dr. Harini Amarasuriyaemphasized the urgent need to reposition vocational education as a core pillar of Sri Lanka’s education system, stating that it will become a decisive subject in the country’s future development.
The Prime Minister made these remarks at the launch of the “Shrama Meheyuma” programme held yesterday (July 4) at the Gampaha Technical College. The nationwide initiative, spearheaded by Deputy Minister Nalin Hewage, aims to revamp vocational training institutions and establish a well-structured, modern, and attractive institutional system to support national revival.
“I’m deeply thankful for the initiative taken by Deputy Minister Nalin Hewage in bringing this programme to life. While Shrama Meheyuma may be the starting point, our larger goal is to place vocational education at the forefront of national discourse,” the Prime Minister said.
She stressed that the Education Ministry bears the responsibility for preparing human resources for the modern labour market, yet the role of vocational training often remains underappreciated. “Vocational education should not be seen as a fallback option. It is a smart, practical, and vital choice that contributes significantly to both individual empowerment and national growth,” she added.
As part of the 2026 education reforms, vocational education will receive special attention, with plans to integrate training into the school curriculum itself. These reforms aim to shift public perception and encourage informed, deliberate decisions among students based on their skills and interests.
Deputy Minister Nalin Hewage, addressing the gathering, said: “To achieve the Government’s vision of a dignified life and national revival, our institutions must modernize. While today’s youth are evolving with technology, our institutions must catch up. Shrama Meheyuma spans 311 institutions with over 160,000 participants, marking only the beginning of a larger transformation.”
Labour Deputy Minister Mahinda Jayasinghe acknowledged that while enrolment in vocational courses is growing, some centres face student shortages. He attributed this to gaps in the general education system and pledged to strengthen Labour Ministry-run institutions to ensure quality and accessibility.
Also present at the event were Deputy Minister of Education and Higher Education Dr. Madhura Withanage, MP Lasith Bhaskantha, Ministry Secretary Nalaka Kaluwawa, Gampaha Mayor, District Secretary, and Gampaha Technical College Principal P.M.K. Gomes, along with government officials, parents, and students.
The Shrama Meheyuma initiative is seen as a critical step in transforming vocational training into a respected and central pathway, aligned with the country’s socio-economic needs and aspirations for the future.
