Skills development and employment strategy for tourism sector launched
The Skills Development Plan and Employment Strategy for the tourism sector in the Eastern Province was prepared by the Australian-funded project; Skills for Inclusive Growth Programme, and was launched on March 6th 2018, at the Ministry of Skills Development and Vocational Training.
Skills Development and Vocational Training Minister Chandima Weerakkody and Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT) Development Cooperation Head Counsellor Victoria Coakley participated as chief guests. Representatives from TVEC, VTA and other relevant government partners, as well as district representatives from Ampara, Batticaloa, Trincomalee and Polonnaruwa were also present.
Skills Development and Vocational Training Minister Chandima Weerakkody mentioned that skills development is one of the key areas in workforce development and ministry is undertaking this task all over the country. He appreciated the initiatives taken by the Australian government by funding this project to develop the skills for the tourism sector in the Eastern Province. Further, he appreciated the selecting the eastern province which has huge potential in tourism sector and lagging region in workforce development due to war. On behalf of Sri Lanka, he thanked the Australian Government for taking this great effort in the skills development arena. Skills Development and Vocational Training Ministry Secretary P. Ranepura delivered the speech at the launch, and mentioned that the initiatives of the Skills Development Plan and Employment Strategy are timely needed documents and very much appreciated implementing the mechanism with the collaboration of the District Government in the Eastern Province.
Victoria Coakley mentioned that the Australian Government is very happy to support and implement this plan in collaboration with the Government of Sri Lanka in a sustainable way. She expressed that this would be a very exciting programme which can develop the skills in the tourism sector in the East.
TVEC Chairman Prof. Rajiva Wijesinhe made the keynote address during which he specified that there are a number of reports and plans but appreciated this plan which prepared the based-on evidences from the industry.
Prof. Sunil Chandrasiri presented the Skills Development Plan and Employment Strategy for the tourism sector in the Eastern Province to the audience. In his presentation, the key highlights of the tourism sector in the Eastern Province and existing skills gap and skills shortage in the province were shown. Further in his presentation, he specified the approach of skills development in the tourism sector and mechanism of implementing the plan.
Skills for Inclusive Growth Programme Team Leader David Ablett conducted the vote of thanks speech.