Vocational Education Deputy Minister Nalin Hewage announced in Parliament yesterday that a special examination will be introduced for Grade 9 students, allowing them to decide whether to pursue higher education or vocational training.
The initiative is part of the National People’s Power (NPP) government’s plan to implement what Hewage described as the “biggest educational revolution in Sri Lanka’s history.”
“Currently, many students who leave school do not pursue vocational education. Ideally, there should be 4,727 students in vocational training, but only 2,585 are enrolled. This gap exists due to two main reasons,” the Deputy Minister stated.
He pointed out that vocational careers such as carpentry and masonry lack social recognition and professional dignity, making them less attractive to students. Additionally, those in these fields do not earn sufficient income to secure a stable future.
“In contrast, professions like engineering and medicine come with social respect and appropriate salaries. However, in foreign countries, there is no such disparity—all professions are treated equally. We are working to create the same environment in Sri Lanka,” Hewage affirmed.
The government aims to bridge the gap between vocational training and traditional academic education, ensuring that students can make informed career choices while also elevating the status of skilled labor in the country.
