The Hon. (Dr.) Upali Pannilage - Minister of Rural Development, Social Security and Community Empowerment

¶ 01 Hon. Speaker, I table the answer regarding vocational training centres for persons with disabilities under the Department of Social Services.

¶ 02 Answer tabled.

¶ 03 (a) (i) Eleven vocational training institutions are in operation.

¶ 04 (ii) Current trainees (selected institutions and numbers): Amugoda 64; Kalawana 23; Katana 47; Batticaloa 20; Kilinochchi 27; Thalawa 82; Seeduwa 83; Wattegama 94; Tholangamuwa 6; Ragama 30; Madampe 20. Total 496.

¶ 05 Additionally, pre-vocational capacity by centre (selected): Amugoda 90; Katana 60; Batticaloa 40; Kilinochchi 45; Thalawa 128; Seeduwa 130; Kantalegama 100; Tholangamuwa 15; Madampe 40. Total 719.

¶ 06 (iii) Applications are called via Sinhala, Tamil, and English newspapers (Thinakaran, Sunday Observer, Silumina). Circulars are sent to District and Divisional Secretariats, vocational institutes, Ministries of Health and Education, Provincial Departments of Social Services, special schools, and NGOs working with persons with disabilities. Completed applications are forwarded to the Department of Social Services.

¶ 07 (iv) Applications received annually and aptitude test participation: - 2024: Applications 2,038; sat for aptitude 1,294 - 2025: Applications 1,898; sat for aptitude 1,341

¶ 08 (v) Applications are registered by the Department; aptitude tests are held by district at selected centres. Based on marks and institutional capacity, a selection committee admits trainees. An orientation programme is conducted at the start of the year prior to commencing courses.

¶ 09 (vi) For those not selected, the Department refers applicants to the Kottawa Pre-Vocational Skills Development Centre to develop pre-vocational skills and for re-application to vocational training. They are also referred to skills development centres run by Provincial Departments of Social Services and community organizations. Under the Community-Based Rehabilitation (CBR) Programme, individualized rehabilitation plans are prepared and services arranged.

¶ 10 (b) (i) Trainers are not sufficient.

¶ 11 (ii) The recruitment scheme is being revised (including updating course offerings to match current labour market needs and consolidating specialized designations such as “Batik” and “Tailoring” under a common “Vocational Instructor” designation) and forwarded to the Public Service Commission for approval.

¶ 12 (iii) The estimated total expenditure for 2025 for the eleven institutions is Rs. 512,460,399.32.

¶ 13 (c) Not applicable.