Prime Minister Dr. Harini Amarasuriya stated that the foundation for future national development can be strengthened by equipping the country’s youth with knowledge, skills and new opportunities, and that the Government is committed to strengthening the higher education, vocational education and technical education sectors.

The Prime Minister made these remarks while participating in the inaugural session of the International Career and Education Exhibition (iCEE 2026), held today (03) at the Galle Face Hotel in Colombo.

Organised jointly by Independent Television Network (ITN), ITN MMC Campus and JJL International, the exhibition provides an opportunity for 10 leading universities and higher education institutions from Australia, New Zealand and China to come together and engage with students and prospective learners, according to the Prime Minister’s Media Division.

Addressing the gathering further, the Prime Minister stated:

“The Government is working towards establishing an education system in which university education and vocational and technical education are accorded equal value. No student should be left behind simply because they choose an educational pathway outside the conventional system.

“The global employment market is rapidly changing in the face of artificial intelligence, digitalisation and automation. We must prepare our youth to meet these changing demands. 

“Critical thinking, creativity, technological literacy, leadership and continuously updated knowledge through lifelong learning are essential for the younger generation of the future. The Government is taking measures in achieving this objective.

“As part of these efforts, Rs. 4,000 million has been allocated for the period from 2025 to 2033 to provide the 200 highest-performing students at the G.C.E. Advanced Level Examination with opportunities to gain international exposure. Rs. 600 million has been allocated for this year.

“In addition, the Mahapola monthly allowance provided to students pursuing higher education has been increased to benefit nearly 63,000 students, while scholarship allowances have been increased to benefit nearly 29,000 students. Further, 5,605 students have registered under the 10th phase of the Interest-Free Student Loan Scheme. The programme is being implemented with a target of 7,000 students for 2025.

“We have developed a long-term programme for education through the new education policy. As part of this initiative, we are also creating opportunities for international students to pursue their education in Sri Lanka.

“The true strength of a country does not lie in its physical resources alone, but in its active human capital equipped with knowledge, skills and creativity.” 

The Prime Minister emphasised that one of the Government’s key objectives is to create a generation of young people capable not only of facing future challenges, but also of creating opportunities for themselves in the future, the statement said.

The occasion was attended by the Deputy Minister of Mass Media Dr. Kaushalya Ariyarathne, Chairman of Independent Television Network Priyantha Wedamulla, Professor Wasantha Athukorala, representatives of universities from Australia, New Zealand, China and other countries, as well as a large number of parents and students.