Sri Lanka eyes skill-driven economy to future-proof growth

Dr. Harini Amarasuriya 

 Sanath Ukwatte

PIX BY KITHSIRI DE MEL

• Sri Lanka Skills Expo 2025 kicks off in Colombo
• “We must navigate our educational journey with a good understanding of changing society”- Prime Minister Dr. Harini Amarasuriya
• “Public-private partnership we celebrate here today exemplifies what is possible when we unite with shared purpose – to secure a brighter, more prosperous future for our youth and our nation”- TISC Chairman Sanath Ukwatte

Sri Lanka is ramping up efforts to bridge its widening skill gap as the policymakers and industry leaders warned that the country’s future competitiveness hinges on developing a workforce equipped for rapid technological and structural change.

Prime Minister Dr. Harini Amarasuriya asserted that skill development must be at the heart of the nation’s economic transformation, as traditional education pathways are no longer sufficient to meet the emerging labour market demands.

“This is a unique opportunity in the education transformation we have embarked on. Here, we hope to not only expand the opportunities available in education, especially for our children but also to open the way for you to discover those opportunities,” she said at the opening of Sri Lanka Skills Expo 2025, held at the Temple Trees yesterday.

Dr. Amarasuriya emphasised that Sri Lanka’s next generation must navigate a world transformed by technology and new forms of work. She asserted that Sri Lanka cannot successfully navigate this society by following the traditional paths. 

“We must navigate our educational journey with a good understanding of the changing society,” she said, calling on the students to align their ambitions with the country’s development plans.

“You will be able to know what new trends are emerging in the world. There are more opportunities for you in society than you think and you have a place for yourself. We are waiting for you to come. Take this opportunity and move forward with it,” Dr. Amarasuriya added, while underscoring that the government’s education reforms aim to link learning directly with economic participation.

Organised by the Tourism Industry Skills Council (TISC) in collaboration with the Education Ministry, the two-day event brings together youth, educators, employers and policymakers to showcase vocational and technical training opportunities. Skills Expo 2025, held from October 10-11, features live demonstrations, employer-led interviews and career guidance sessions designed to help bridge the gap between education and employment.

TISC Chairman Sanath Ukwatte noted the initiative reflects a strong public-private partnership to align skill development with real market needs. 

“The Industry Sector Skills Councils are industry-owned, industry-led and industry-driven organisations, ensuring that skill development remains directly responsive to real market needs and employer demands,” he said at the inauguration.

Ukwatte shared the councils’ mandate is to identify and reduce skill gaps, address skill shortages and enhance workforce competencies to improve productivity and quality across every sector of our nation. 

He added that the integration of vocational studies into the O Level curriculum was a “truly historic achievement”, especially as tourism and other trades continue to expand.

“The public-private partnership we celebrate here today exemplifies what is possible when we unite with shared purpose – to secure a brighter, more prosperous future for our youth and our nation,” he said.

Skills Expo 2025 is powered by the Tourism Industry Skills Council alongside the Construction Industry Skills Sector Council, Information and Communication Technology Industry Sector Council, Manufacturing and Engineering Services Industry Skills Council, Agriculture Sector Skills Council and National Council for Communication Skills in Health Care.