He added that the CGTTI had been able to mould Sri Lankan youth to take up challenges and equip them with technical skills in the automobile and allied trades at international level too.

The Premier was speaking at the inauguration of the 50th anniversary celebrations of the CGTTI, after opening the three day exhibition at the CGTTI in Moratuwa yesterday.

“My friendship with Germany runs such a long way,” the Premier added. He regretted that many Lankans go for employment abroad without skills. He said that the country could have earned more foreign exchange if more technically qualified persons received such opportunities.

Emphasizing new challenges before the country following the end of the three-decade war, he said the development of the country, especially in the Northern and Eastern Provinces, is the next primary task before the Government. CGTTI assistance and introducing technical knowhow among the youth would be invaluable, quoting the Prime Minister, Daily News reported.

The Premier appealed to the Ambassador of the Federal Republic of Germany Jens Plotener to continue with the technical assistance through the CGTTI so that more youth will benefit while also helping cement the existing bonds between the two countries.