A high-level delegation from the United Arab Emirates (UAE) has expressed interest in supporting and investing in Sri Lanka’s Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) sector, following a meeting with Prime Minister Dr. Harini Amarasuriya at Parliament on 24 September.
The meeting focused on the potential for cooperation to strengthen Sri Lanka’s TVET sector and gradually increase the availability of skilled workers required by both traditional and emerging industries.
Strengthening Sri Lanka’s Skilled Workforce
During the meeting, Prime Minister Dr. Harini Amarasuriya outlined the Government’s ongoing education reforms, including the introduction of vocational education pathways.
The Prime Minister highlighted the Government’s commitment to investing in and upgrading vocational and technical education to equip Sri Lankan youth with practical and relevant skills that can support employment opportunities both locally and internationally.
She also emphasised the importance of developing new and demand-driven programmes that respond to the changing requirements of the global labour market.
UAE Expresses Interest in Investment
The UAE delegation commended the Government’s efforts in developing Sri Lanka’s vocational and technical education system and expressed positive interest in supporting and investing in the development of the country’s TVET sector.
The interest creates potential opportunities for greater UAE participation in areas related to vocational education, skills development and workforce training. Strengthening these areas could also support the development of a workforce equipped to meet the needs of Sri Lanka’s growing and emerging industries.
The discussions also highlighted the potential for expanding opportunities for skilled Sri Lankan workers in international markets through demand-driven training and skills development.
Exploring Future Investment and Partnerships
In addition to the discussions on TVET, Prime Minister Amarasuriya invited the UAE delegation to explore investment opportunities in sectors of mutual interest, creating scope for further engagement and partnerships between Sri Lanka and the UAE.
The meeting brought together representatives with investment and business interests from the UAE, including Mr. Mahmoud Jasem Abdulla Abdulla Al Ali, Head of the UAE Vice Presidents’ Private Office (Investment), Dr. Nasser Ali Yaslam, Chairman and Managing Director of AYAT Group, Mr. Sayeed Al Hinaai, CEO of HSH Real Estate, and Mr. Imad Abed Alhadi, CEO of Green River LLC.
The discussions focused on strengthening cooperation in skills development, expanding opportunities for skilled employment, and identifying avenues for future investment and partnership between Sri Lanka and the UAE.
Opportunities for Investors
The UAE’s interest in Sri Lanka’s TVET sector highlights the potential for investment and partnerships in areas connected to skills development, vocational training, technical education and workforce development.
As Sri Lanka continues to develop a skilled workforce aligned with the needs of traditional and emerging industries, opportunities may arise for investors and businesses interested in contributing to the country’s education, training and human capital development ecosystem.
Interested in Investing in Sri Lanka’s TVET Sector?
As Sri Lanka continues to strengthen its vocational and technical education system and develop a skilled workforce for emerging and traditional industries, new opportunities are emerging across skills development, vocational training and related sectors. If you are an investor or business looking to explore opportunities in Sri Lanka, DPR Investment Consultants can support you throughout your investment journey — from understanding the investment environment to establishing and expanding your business.
For more information, contact us at info@srilankainvestment.com or visit our Contact Us page to get in touch with our team.
