TİKA Supports Vocational Education in Sri Lanka

Turkish Cooperation and Coordination Agency (TİKA) provided technical equipment to the Vocational Training Center of Insight Institute of Management and Technology in Mawanella, Sri Lanka.

TİKA provided technical equipment to the Vocational Training Center of Insight Institute of Management and Technology, a non-profit organization in Mawanella that offers vocational training to address the country’s shortage of qualified personnel in the fields of automobile, electricity, air conditioning and construction.

As part of the support, the automotive technician department received various training materials, including driving and training simulators, hydraulic systems, general hand tools and electronic measuring devices.

Speaking at the delivery ceremony of the training materials, Abdul Kuddoos Muhammad Fawzan, one of the directors of the institute, said, “We find it very valuable that Türkiye came thousands of kilometers away to support our institution. Our students and teachers will never forget this support.”

Vocational training in different fields

Each year, the institute offers full-time courses lasting 12 to 18 months to around 350 students. It also provides scholarships to more than half of the trainees who come from families in need. The institute is run by a council of academics and professionals with teachers working on a voluntary basis. The center also offers short-term certificate programs in computers, English language, and sewing and embroidery.

About Sri Lanka

Sri Lanka, home to many different cultures, languages and ethnic backgrounds with a population of 22 million people, has made important regulations in the field of education in recent years and has taken measurements that will increase the quality of vocational education. However, most of the young population do not have the chance to go to university.

While more than 300,000 students take the university entrance exam each year, only 20% are admitted to universities and other higher education institutions. The remaining students lack adequate educational opportunities and remain unemployed or seek education abroad. This leads to a decline in the country’s productive young population.

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