VFS Global and NCPC launch youth skilling program to boost Sri Lanka’s tourism talent

From left: Centre for Environmental Authority Assistant Director Nihaal D’silva, Galle Municipal Corporation Deputy Director K.A.N. Pramodini, Sri Lanka Tourism Authority Deputy Director General Upali Rathnayaka, VFS Global Country Manager – Sri Lanka Manpreet Singh Arora, NCPC Sri Lanka CEO Samantha Kumarasena and ASSIST Development Foundation Project Head – South Asia Karunakaran K at the launch of the youth skilling program in Galle

VFS Global, a global leader in trusted technology services, has launched the Tourism Skilling Program in association with NCPC Sri Lanka and the ASSIST Development Foundation. The initiative aims to empower local youth with industry-relevant skills to support the country’s fast-growing tourism sector. 

The program was inaugurated on 14 July in Galle, in the presence of Galle Municipal Corporation Deputy Director K.A.N. Pramodini, Centre for Environmental Authority Assistant Director Nihaal D’silva and Sri Lanka Tourism Authority Deputy Director General Upali Rathnayaka.

Sri Lanka’s tourism sector is experiencing a strong growth with the tourist arrivals for the first six months of 2025 recording over 1.16 million which represents a 15.6% increase compared to the same period last year. This encouraging momentum highlights the country’s growing appeal on the global stage. As visitor numbers rise, so does the need for a skilled workforce to deliver world-class experiences.

Recognising this exciting opportunity and drawing on its deep expertise in the sector, VFS Global and its partners have curated a specialised program to nurture local talent and strengthen the industry’s capacity. This initiative aims to empower the next generation of hospitality professionals and support the continued growth and evolution of Sri Lanka’s vibrant tourism landscape.

VFS Global Chief Operating Officer – South Asia Yummi Talwar said, “We believe in the power of community partnerships to drive sustainable development. Through this program, we aim to support young people and professionals in the tourism sector by helping them develop skills in eco and cultural tourism, digital marketing, and essential soft skills, delivered through classroom training and hands-on industry exposure. We are proud to collaborate with NCPC Sri Lanka and ASSIST Development Foundation, who bring the technical know-how, deep local expertise and community engagement to this effort.”

This nine-month program will be conducted across four key tourism hubs in Sri Lanka—Galle, Riverston, Negombo, and Haputale, and provide participants hands-on industry exposure through internship programs in the tourism and hospitality industry. The aim is to train over 100 youth in the first year. 

NCPC Sri Lanka Spokesperson Samantha Kumarasan added, “Sri Lanka’s natural beauty and cultural richness make it a premier tourist destination, but the industry faces a shortage of professionally trained guides with an understanding of sustainability. Many operate without formal education in responsible tourism, which threatens both our environment and the sector’s long-term potential. This initiative by VFS Global is a timely and strategic investment—empowering youth with vital skills in sustainable tourism and cultural interpretation, while helping safeguard our natural and cultural heritage.”

This initiative aligns with the World Travel & Tourism Council’s ‘Together in Travel’ program, of which VFS Global is a founding member. It aims to empower Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) in various ways, including by providing them with trained manpower to help scale their businesses.

VFS Global has been investing in community programs across the world to empower children and youth, particularly women through education, skill training and entrepreneurship, helping build stronger and more inclusive societies. 

VFS Global has been operating in Sri Lanka since 2004 and has been facilitating seamless cross-border mobility and supporting the aspirations of millions of Sri Lankan travellers supporting 26 client governments. It has an employee strength of 140 working across of offices in Colombo and Jaffna.