VTA Diploma Awarding Ceremony

Published ByMidea Unit

The Sri Lanka Vocational Training Authority (VTA), the nation’s foremost public sector vocational training institution, held its annual Diploma Awarding Ceremony at the Bandaranaike Memorial International Conference Hall (BMICH) on December 27, 2024. This event marked the culmination of 29 years of continuous vocational training expansion, now encompassing all districts of Sri Lanka. The VTA,…

The Sri Lanka Vocational Training Authority (VTA), the nation’s foremost public sector vocational training institution, held its annual Diploma Awarding Ceremony at the Bandaranaike Memorial International Conference Hall (BMICH) on December 27, 2024. This event marked the culmination of 29 years of continuous vocational training expansion, now encompassing all districts of Sri Lanka. The VTA, a division under the Ministry of Education, plays a crucial role in addressing national employment needs, annually producing over 35,000 skilled professionals across 18 fields within 193 training centers nationwide. Employing modern methods and technology, the VTA contributes significantly to the Sri Lankan economy by equipping individuals with globally competitive skills in the vocational training and education sector.

The ceremony, held under the distinguished patronage of the Honorable Prime Minister and Minister of Education, Dr. Harini Amarasuriya, and the Honorable Deputy Minister, Miss Naleen Hewage, conferred diplomas upon 761 students who successfully completed Diploma and Advanced Diploma programs at NVQ Levels 5 and 6. These programs encompassed a range of disciplines, including:

  1. Automation and Robotic Technology (NVQ Level 6)
  2. Automobile Technology (NVQ Level 5)
  3. Computer Numerically Controlled Manufacturing Technology (NVQ Level 5)
  4. Construction Technology (NVQ Level 5)
  5. Cosmetology (NVQ Level 5)
  6. Electrical Technology (NVQ Level 5)
  7. Fashion Design Technology (NVQ Level 6)
  8. Fluid Power Technology (Hydraulic & Pneumatic) (NVQ Level 5)
  9. Information and Communication Technology (NVQ Level 5)
  10. Mechatronics Technology (NVQ Level 5)
  11. Quantity Surveying (NVQ Level 5)
  12. Refrigeration and Air Conditioning Technology (NVQ Level 5)
  13. Welding Technology (NVQ Level 5)

The ceremony was meticulously overseen by the VTA Acting Honorary Chairman/Chief Executive Officer, and Ministry of Education Additional Secretary (Vocational Training), Mrs. Samanthi Senanayake, and the VTA Director General, Major General (Retired) Priyantha Weerasinghe. The VTA’s vital role in supplementing the formal education system, particularly for students not pursuing university education, was implicitly acknowledged through this significant event.

“Prime Minister Dr. Harini Amarasuriya emphasized that building a skilled workforce capable of meeting the needs of both local and global labor markets is a key objective of the government’s development vision.

The Prime Minister made these remarks on 27th December at the Bandaranaike Memorial International Conference Hall [BMICH] during the certificate awarding ceremony for students who completed diploma programs under the Sri Lanka Vocational Training Authority.

Speaking further, Prime Minister Dr. Harini Amarasuriya stated: “For a country, a nation, or a society to develop, it requires individuals with diverse skills. Our government is committed to ensuring that no one is left behind in the education system. Youth must acquire skills that are directly relevant to achieving full employment, and we must foster a workforce with entrepreneurial capabilities. This approach will help bridge the skills gap between the labor market and the youth community.

Our policy statement emphasizes providing technical and vocational education from school to tertiary levels, allowing broader access to education and training opportunities that align with labor market needs.

Every profession should be valued, and individuals entering any profession should feel recognized and important as members of society. Instilling confidence that they can thrive in their chosen careers is essential.

The youth of Sri Lanka possess immense potential to shape a better future for the country. To utilize this, we must prioritize the development of vocational and technical education, improve training infrastructure, enhance training quality through capacity development, and create diverse pathways for youth to pursue vocational education.

The government is dedicated to expanding opportunities for young people in the vocational and technical education sector to build a skilled workforce aligned with local and global demands.”

The Acting Chairman of the Vocational Training Authority Samanthi Senanayake, Director General Major General Priyantha Weerasinghe, and diploma recipients attended the event.”

[Prime Minister’s Media Division]