FINANCIAL CHRONICLE – Sri Lanka is set to revamp its vocational education system by incorporating technical training into school programs, upgrading facilities, and broadening the range of educational pathways, according to a senior government representative.
The Ministry of Vocational Education made this announcement following the Tertiary and Vocational Education Commission’s (TVEC) achievement of issuing nearly one million National Vocational Qualification (NVQ) certificates over the past twenty years.
“We envision a future where every student obtains either a higher certificate in conventional education or an NVQ certificate in vocational training,” stated State Minister of Vocational Education Nalin Hewage during a press conference on Monday. He underscored the importance of technical qualifications being regarded with the same level of significance as traditional academic degrees.
To facilitate this expansion, the government has earmarked approximately 8 billion rupees for annual capital expenditures and has restarted significant recruitment efforts after a hiatus of seven years. Training facilities are being upgraded with contemporary equipment in anticipation of a nationwide awareness initiative scheduled for December.
As part of the proposed educational reforms, Sri Lanka intends to introduce technical training for students in Grades 10 and 11, with the goal of having vocational education recognized as a complete Advanced Level (A/L) subject stream by the year 2031.
Elaborating on the structural changes, Samanthi Senanayake, Additional Secretary at the Vocational Training Ministry, stated that the initiative aims to create clear career pathways for students leaving school. “By integrating these programs, students will be equipped to obtain an NVQ certificate or pursue higher education upon completing their 13 years of schooling,” Senanayake remarked.
The government is also planning to implement a centralized admissions system across state vocational institutions, similar to university enrollment processes. This includes establishing 50 Centers of Excellence and deploying Vocational Guidance Officers in all Divisional Secretariat areas.
In an effort to increase student enrollment, the monthly scholarship allowance under the ‘Nipunatha Sisu Saviya’ program will increase from Rs. 2,500 to Rs. 10,000 next year, according to Senanayake. Additionally, over Rs. 350 million has been allocated for concessionary ‘SEPI Loans’ aimed at assisting NVQ-certified youth in launching their own businesses. (Colombo/August 10/2026)
