United States gives state-of the-art vocational training facilities

[Tuesday, June 26, 2007 - 09.00 GMT]

Nine state-of the-art training facilities are to be built or reconstructed and equipped on the South and East coasts by the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) in partnership with the Ministry of Vocational and Technical Training and the Vocational Training Authority (VTA) as part of its Tsunami Reconstruction Program.  
  
“Of all the initiatives by the United States to help Sri Lanka recover from the tsunami, promoting vocational training is in many ways our most important project,” said U.S. Ambassador Robert Blake at the ceremony marking the groundbreaking of the new facility at Koggala. “These centers will help young people to become productive members of society by teaching skills in trades that lead to well-paying jobs, helping Sri Lanka grow into a more prosperous country, “ he added.
  
Vocational Training Minister Gamage speaking at the ceremony said that these schools are a new beginning for vocational education in Sri Lanka and they will offer skills not currently available to youth in vocational training, and thus set a new standard to be sustained.
  
The Koggala center will focus on the apparel industry, teaching not only sewing, but also training fabric cutters, quality control specialists, and supervisors.  
  
Other centers in Hikkaduwa, Ahangama, Tangalle, and Tallala in the South, and Nintavur, Central Camp, Kaluwachikudi, and Samanthurai in the East, will provide training in key sectors such as welding, electronics repair, masonry and carpentry, as well as English language and computer training.  
  
Each center will offer its services tuition free and will graduate about 150 vocational specialists per year.
  

  


 

PRINT THIS STORY

Contact Information: Send mail to priu@presidentsoffice.lk with questions or comments about this web site. 
Last Updated Date: June 26, 2007 - 09.00 GMT