Inaugurating a new construction industry training course at the Talalla National Vocational Training Institute, Minister of Finance and Media Mangala Samaraweera said that he government intends to establish four vocational training facilities in Anuradhapura, Badulla, Kandy and Trincomalee to provide opportunities for students who are unable to gain admission to local universities.
"Although nearly 250,000 students sit for the G.C.E. Advanced Level examination every year, only about 25,000 students are eligible to enter local universities. Some affluent parents are able to send their children abroad or to private institutes for higher education", the Minister said.
A section of the youth selected from the Southern Province who would follow a four month training course in welding, carpentry and masonry.
"What about those who are deprived of a university education since they lack the financial means to pursue higher education?", Samaraweera inquired.
The government will set up four vocational training facilities at Anuradhapura, Badulla, Kandy and Trincomalee with German and Swiss financial backing within the next three years to provide wider opportunities to these youth, especially in the technological sector, he said.
Furthermore, Samaraweera pointed out that he had allocated LKR 1000 million through Budget 2018 to set up the aforementioned vocational training institutes.
The Minister also stated that steps are already underway to establish a technological university in Matara with German assistance.
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