October 11, Colombo (LNW): Prime Minister Dr Harini Amarasuriya has called upon the younger generation to embrace the emerging opportunities before them, declaring that Sri Lanka’s future lies in the hands of its youth — and it is the duty of today’s leaders to pave the way.
Her remarks were made at the official opening of Sri Lanka Skills Expo 2025, which commenced yesterday (10) at the Temple Trees main auditorium.
Held for the third consecutive time, the Skills Expo serves as a platform to address youth unemployment and promote career pathways in modern industries. Organised jointly by the Ministry of Education, Higher Education, and Vocational Education in partnership with the Industry Sector Skills Councils, the event will continue through October 11.
The exhibition showcases educational, vocational, and entrepreneurial opportunities aimed at empowering students, recent graduates, and jobseekers with practical insight into evolving career landscapes.
In her address, Prime Minister Amarasuriya emphasised the importance of adapting the country’s education system to match the pace of global transformation. She noted that traditional career paths no longer guarantee success and highlighted the need for flexible, forward-thinking learning models that prepare students for a rapidly changing world.
“We are witnessing a pivotal moment in our education reform efforts,” she stated. “This exhibition is not just an event—it represents a shift in how we approach learning and development. It’s a chance for young people to explore diverse opportunities aligned with their strengths, interests, and aspirations.”
The Prime Minister urged students to look beyond conventional academic paths and explore vocational and technical avenues that are increasingly in demand both locally and globally. She noted that a generation facing complex challenges—driven by digital disruption, climate change, and economic restructuring—must be equipped not only with knowledge but also with adaptability, confidence, and creativity.
“This is your moment to take initiative,” she told the gathered students. “Our responsibility is to ensure the doors are open for you. Yours is to walk through them. We believe in your potential, and we are committed to ensuring you receive the tools and support needed to shape the nation’s future.”
She also underscored the collaborative nature of development, highlighting the role of parents, teachers, and policymakers in building an environment where young people can thrive and lead. The Skills Expo, she said, is designed to help students identify their own pathways while contributing to the broader national agenda.
Among the dignitaries present at the event were Minister of Industries and Entrepreneurship Development Sunil Handunnetti, Deputy Minister Chathuranga Abeysinghe, Deputy Minister of Vocational Education Nalin Hewage, Secretary to the Prime Minister Pradeep Saputhanthri, and Secretary to the Ministry of Education Nalaka Kaluwewa, along with representatives from various educational institutions and industry bodies.
The two-day exhibition features hands-on demonstrations, career guidance booths, and interactive sessions aimed at equipping youth with knowledge of emerging sectors, including green energy, digital technology, advanced manufacturing, and entrepreneurship.
The Prime Minister concluded by reaffirming the government’s commitment to investing in education and skills development, stating that the nation’s future prosperity hinges on how well it harnesses the talent and energy of its young people.
