The Hon. Nalin Hewage - Deputy Minister of Vocational Education

¶ 01 Madam Presiding Member, we regard Hon. Chaminda Wijesiri’s Motion as important. National development rests on two pillars: physical resources and human resources. Sri Lanka lacks abundant physical resources; therefore our development potential chiefly lies in human resources. This Motion is aimed at advancing that human capital.

¶ 02 We have several institutions—Maritime University, Technological Universities, the National Vocational Training Authority and others. Unfortunately, for years, they lacked attention, resources and manpower. We can certainly raise awareness among students, but if you visit these institutions, especially the University of Vocational Technology, you will see space is limited and there is a shortage of staff. Within about a year in office, we allocated the largest-ever capital provision to this sector—Rs. 8,000 million in the last year—for facilities and recruitment. We are recruiting now. This supports the Motion.

¶ 03 We seek to replace the linear pathway with multi-linear options. With vocational education now in the school curriculum, further awareness is still needed, but we believe much of it will occur in school since students will learn about the available pathways early.

¶ 04 We also have a special plan to eradicate poverty. Under Hon. Paddini Liyanage, 14,000 committees have been established across 14,000 GN Divisions. On average, each division has about 400–430 families. To end poverty, local land and human resources must be connected to the economic process. No child should fall by the wayside. If poverty is a barrier to schooling, the Government will step in.

¶ 05 Our major intake period is around December. On one day, all 14,000 CDC committees will go into villages. Each committee includes the GN, economic development officers, Samurdhi officers, agriculture extension, fisheries inspectors and others—about 25 well-informed locals. Their duty is to identify, say, 10–15 youths in their village suitable for vocational education. Teams will visit homes, meet parents and the child, and explain available institutions, further education opportunities, jobs in Sri Lanka and abroad, and the contribution this education can make. For example, the Samurdhi Ministry allocated Rs. 40 million for Galle District—up to Rs. 100,000 per child—to support vocational education. Families lack awareness of how to access grants and loans, and of degrees and job security that follow. Our household outreach programme will clarify these.

¶ 06 This is unprecedented—targeting children and parents at home so that not a single child stops midway. Our Ministry staff—4,000 to 5,000 officers—will also mobilize, together with regional skills officers. Through Skills Expo and CSR projects we are already raising awareness. Now we must elevate institutional dignity by upgrading equipment and staffing. We are recruiting and working to ensure the university system preserves students’ dignity and pride. With the Prime Minister, Minister (Dr.) Madhura Senevirathna and Secretary Nalaka Kaluwewa, our team is highly active. The Deputy Vice-Chancellor of the University of Vocational Technology, Prasanna Premadasa, is driving a major programme; on the 26th of this month the Prime Minister will inaugurate a state-of-the-art auditorium there. The future of our children looks brighter. I again thank Hon. Chaminda Wijesiri. It is our collective responsibility to build a skilled human resource. Thank you.