Prime Minister Dr. Harini Amarasuriya met with a high-level delegation from the UAE at Parliament to discuss the possibility of collaboration to strengthen the Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) sector of Sri Lanka with a view to gradually increase the number of skilled workers demanded by various traditional and emerging industries.

During the meeting held yesterday (24), the Prime Minister outlined the government’s ongoing education reforms, including the introduction of vocational education pathways, and emphasised the Government’s commitment to investing in and upgrading vocational and technical education to equip youth with skills that enable them to pursue employment opportunities both locally and globally. 

The Prime Minister also highlighted the importance of developing new and demand-driven programmes to meet the evolving requirements of the global labour market, according to the Prime Minister's Media Division.

The UAE delegation commended the government’s efforts and expressed a positive interest in supporting and investing in the development of the sector, the statement said, adding that the Prime Minister invited the UAE delegation to explore investment opportunities in sectors of mutual interest for future cooperation.

The discussions focused on strengthening collaboration in skills development, expanding opportunities for skilled employment, and exploring avenues for investment and partnership between Sri Lanka and the UAE.

The meeting was attended by Mahmoud Jasem Abdulla Abdulla Al Ali, Head of the UAE Vice Presidents’ Private Office (Investment), Dr. Nasser Ali Yaslam, Chairman and Managing Director, AYAT Group, Sayeed Al Hinaai, CEO, HSH Real Estate, Imad Abed Alhadi, CEO, Green River LLC, Alexi Gunasekara, Consul General of Sri Lanka in Dubai, Secretary to the Prime Minister Pradeep Saputhanthri, and Additional secretary to the Prime Minister Sagarika Bogahawatta.