Monday Aug 31, 2026
Monday Aug 31, 2026
Monday, 31 August 2026 00:02 - - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}
The Cabinet of Ministers last week approved a 10-year Strategic Framework for Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) for 2026-2035, seeking to overhaul the skills development system and align vocational training more closely with domestic and international labour market demand.
The framework, prepared with technical assistance from the Asian Development Bank (ADB), has been adopted as the national strategic guideline for the country’s technical and vocational education sector.
The move comes amid growing concerns over a persistent mismatch between the skills produced by vocational training institutions and the requirements of employers, despite the presence of a large network of Government TVET institutions.
Under the new framework, the Government plans to implement a Skills Development System Transformation Program (SDSTP) from 2027 to 2031.
The program will seek to strengthen the Advanced Level vocational education stream, while restructuring the governance of vocational education and improving the quality and relevance of training programs.
“The 2026-2035 framework is expected to provide the long-term policy direction, while the SDSTP will serve as the principal implementation program during 2027-2031,” Cabinet Spokesman and Minister Dr. Nalinda Jayatissa said at the weekly post-Cabinet meeting media briefing.
He said it will also focus on expanding equitable access to skills development, upgrading training infrastructure and increasing participation by industry in vocational education.
Other priorities include digital transformation of the skills development system and the introduction of sustainable financing mechanisms to support long-term skills development.
The Government also expects to secure support from development partners for implementation of the transformation program.
The proposals to this effect were submitted by Prime Minister Dr. Harini Amarasuriya in her capacity as the Education, Higher Education and Vocational Education Minister.
