Türkiye’s lifeline to Sri Lanka: Empowering youth through vocational training

The Turkish Cooperation and Coordination Agency (TIKA) has provided significant technical equipment support to the Insight Management and Technology Institute’s Vocational Training Center in Mawanella, Sri Lanka.

This support aims to enhance the quality of vocational training in the fields of automotive, electrical, air conditioning, and construction to meet the country’s need for skilled personnel.

The Insight Management and Technology Institute, a non-profit organization operating in Mawanella, has received various training materials from TIKA, including driving and training simulators, hydraulic systems, general hand tools, and electronic measuring devices for the automotive technician department.

Training materials provided by TIKA

At the delivery ceremony, Abdul Kuddoos Muhamad Fawzan, one of the institute’s administrators, said, “We highly value Turkiye’s support coming from thousands of kilometers away. Our students and teachers will never forget this assistance.” TIKA’s support enhances the quality of education at the institute, enabling young people to receive more qualified vocational training.

The institute offers full-time courses lasting 12 to 18 months to nearly 350 students each year. Additionally, more than half of the trainees from needy families receive scholarships. The institute, managed by a council of academics and professionals, has teachers who work on a voluntary basis.

The center also offers short-term certificate programs in computer skills, English language training, and sewing.

Sri Lanka’s education landscape

Sri Lanka, with a population of 22 million, hosts many different cultural, linguistic, and ethnic communities. Despite significant educational reforms, a large portion of the young population still lacks the opportunity to attend university.

Each year, over 300,000 students take the university entrance exam, but only 20% are admitted to universities and other higher education institutions. The remaining students face limited educational opportunities, leading to unemployment or the pursuit of education abroad. This situation contributes to a decline in the country’s productive young population.

TIKA’s support aims to help these young people receive vocational training and contribute to the country’s development.