Prime Minister Dr. Harini Amarasuriya stated that all government strategic plans must ensure that no child in Sri Lanka is denied access to vocational or higher education due to economic hardship.
She made these remarks while addressing a workshop on budget formulation and strategic planning for institutions affiliated with the vocational education sector, held at the Grand Monarch. The workshop included heads and senior officials from nine institutions, including two universities connected to vocational education.
The Prime Minister emphasized the importance of aligning the development plans of these institutions and their affiliates with the National Economic Development Plan. While recognizing that vocational institutions produce skilled professionals, she stressed that education reforms should also cultivate compassion, empathy, ethical values, and care for others, aiming to develop professionals enriched with humanity.
Dr. Amarasuriya further stated that the government has a responsibility to expand access to vocational education for children from economically disadvantaged backgrounds, helping them secure a stable future.
She also highlighted the impact of the artificial intelligence (AI) revolution on vocational education. Observing that there is still no comprehensive global understanding of how AI is reshaping work and vocational fields, she stressed the urgent need to integrate vocational education into the mainstream education system through reforms.
The Prime Minister cautioned that while the AI revolution is often profit-driven, Sri Lanka must avoid being marginalized as it was during previous industrial revolutions. She noted that although technology enables online teaching and learning, its impact remains limited in professions requiring human care and compassion, such as childcare and caregiving, underscoring the continued importance of soft skills and a human-centered approach.
Discussions also focused on creating flexible pathways for students to advance through vocational education up to the doctoral level, as well as opportunities for lateral entry while employed. Maintaining high standards and quality alongside such flexibility was identified as essential to preserving the credibility of the education system.
