The Hon. Thilanka U. Gamage

¶ 01 Madam Presiding Member, thank you.

¶ 02 Hon. Chaminda Wijesiri’s Motion to formulate a programme to make school students aware of the University of Vocational Technology is a good one. As a Government, we are already preparing to act. The University of Vocational Technology Act, No. 31 of 2008, established the University to develop students in vocational and technical education, imparting the theoretical knowledge to produce practically trained professionals.

¶ 03 Our education historically followed a single linear path: from preschool to A/Ls and then to university, with heavy rote learning. Only a limited number progressed; many others, though lacking exam prowess, possess valuable vocational skills. We must build that human capital. Hence our new education reforms introduce vocational-technical subjects into school curricula and provide a pathway through to university admission, to produce a high-quality, skilled workforce. Countries that achieved rapid growth did so by developing human capital. Within a short year since assuming office, we initiated the necessary reforms.

¶ 04 This Motion aligns with our current work to bring more children into vocational education. Many technical training institutes were neglected in the past; our Deputy Minister Nalin Hewage is visiting many to identify and remedy deficiencies, including quality improvements. We are increasing awareness at Divisional Secretariat level through officials, and will expand such efforts. I thank Hon. Chaminda Wijesiri for the Motion.