As former conflict-affected regions are now moving towards rehabilitation and sustainable development, human capacity development plays a key role in reaching the goals set by the government of Sri Lanka to develop the country into a middle income country. As a step to achieving this Goal, under the European Union Support to District Development Programme (EU-SDDP), International Labour Organization (ILO) have joined hands with Vocational Training Authority of Sri Lanka (VTASL) to increase the skilled labour force in 2 trades namely Heavy equipment operators (60 beneficiaries) and modern dress making (30 beneficiaries) in Batticaloa District.

ILO provided the needed funds to VTA under the EU SDDP to conduct campaigns to select the needed youth, course fees and equipment upgrading for the modern dress making course.
A certificate awarding ceremony was grandly held on 28th June 2017 at the Devanayagam hall Batticaloa for the 90 beneficiaries. VTA had included other training course certificates also to this occasion, so more than 300 youths were certified in various trades.

Ms. Libuse Soukupova -Head of operations of the European Union Delegation to Sri Lanka and the Maldives was the Chief Guest, while Mrs. P.S.M.Charles- Government Agent/ District Secretary, Batticaloa, Mrs. Chulangani Perera - Director General, Vocational Training Authority of Sri Lanka, Dr. Mrs. Indra Tudawe - Senior Programme Officer, International Labour Organization were the guests of honour, while Mr. R. Neduncheliyan Director Planning Batticaloa District and Mr. S. Ahilan President, BDCCIA were special guests. The guests were given traditional welcome to the ceremony.

Mr.M.B.Naleem-Assistant Director, VTASL, Batticaloa delivered the welcome address and expressed the appreciation of the event organizers for the presence of all invited guests amidst their busy schedule on a public day.

Mr. R. Sivapragasam National Project Coordinator International Labour Organization gave a brief description about the ILO SKILLED Project and activities carried out by ILO with VTASL in Batticaloa nd other districts under EU SDDP.

During her speech, Mrs. Charles - Government Agent/ District Secretary, Batticaloa emphasised the need for such skills training programmes as unemployment is a huge problem in the country especially in the eastern part of Sri Lanka. So conducting demand oriented courses such as heavy equipment operator training and modern dress making provides opportunities for youths to find gainful employment. Especially there is a high demand for heavy machinery operators as well as for modern dress makers. She thanked the European Union for the funding assistance, ILO for working in accordance to the district need and supporting skills development of youth and VTASL for implementing such courses. She wished the recipients of the certificates for a better future.

Mrs. Chulangani Perera - Director General, Vocational Training Authority of Sri Lanka thanked the European Union for the funding assistance provided for VTASL through ILO for conducting demand oriented courses. She appreciated the efforts made by staff of ILO Project Office and VTASL-Batticaloa in completing the 02 courses successfully and arranging the certificate awarding ceremony. She commended the support and technical assistance provided by ILO and wished all the youths for their success.

Dr. Mrs. Indra Tudawe – Senior Programme Officer of ILO emphasized that ILO promotes decent work for all, which is the UN Sustainable Development Goal No. 8 and it advocates full and productive employment coupled with rights, representation and protection of both men and women in the world of work in the firm belief that it is the best strategy to move people out of poverty and to also help them stay out of poverty. She pointed out that under “Local Economic Development” component of EU SDDP, ILO has undertaken a comprehensive and integrated approach to enable young women and men to make a smooth transition to work through improved access to relevant and quality skills training, labour market information, career guidance and employment services, recognition of prior learning and effective skills.

During her address, Ms. Libuse Soukupova – Head of Operations of European Union Delegation for SriLanka and the Maldives said that she was happy to participate in this event as skills development is a key for economic growth in a country. She stressed that EU is highly concern about skilled employment in SriLanka which ensures better resource utilization and empowerment of vulnerable youth. She thanked ILO for joining hand with a national level vocational provider such as VTASL and ensuring quality training and recognized certificates.

Nearly 300 youth of Batticaloa district including graduates of ILO supported training courses were awarded with NVQ certificates in the presence of distinguished guests from European Union, VTASL, ILO and district administration.

ILO activities in Batticaloa are being implemented with financial assistance provided through the EU-SDDP, with a total financial commitment of Rs.6.49 Mn. EU SDDP is a joint intervention between 6 agencies namely UNICEF, UNOPS, UNDP, FAO, ILO and IFC. The programme aims to support the Government of Sri Lanka’s thrust for economic and social development in seven conflict-affected districts covering half a million people while the agencies are entrusted to deliver on the components under their specialized areas.