February 23, Colombo (LNW): In a significant development, President Ranil Wickremesinghe has underscored the need for a comprehensive restructuring of vocational education in Sri Lanka to align with the demands of the modern world. The primary goal is to equip the country’s youth with the necessary skills to excel in the competitive global job market. During an observation tour at the Ratmalana Lalith Athulathmudali Vocational Training Centre on the 22nd of this month, the President detailed plans to consolidate all vocational training institutes in the country into a single vocational college. This centralized institution will offer contemporary subject-related courses designed to meet the evolving needs of the job market. The Lalith Athulathmudali Vocational Training Centre, established in honor of the late Lalith Athulathmudali and currently under the National Youth Service Council, provides a diverse range of vocational technology courses. These include motor mechanics, information technology, 3D planning and designing, language studies, pre-school teaching, beauty culture, and other essential programs for the evolving job market. During his visit, President Wickremesinghe toured the classrooms, engaging with students to inquire about their education and well-being. He participated in a brief discussion with the students, addressing their queries and expressing support for initiatives like establishing pre-schools after completing studies. Responding to a question about opportunities for Sri Lankan youth in modern technology, the President emphasized the country’s swift digital transformation and the prioritization of advancements such as Artificial Intelligence (AI). He expressed optimism about Sri Lanka’s trajectory in embracing evolving technologies. President Wickremesinghe assured the student who expressed a desire to establish her own pre-school that the government would focus on supporting such initiatives as part of the broader program to advance pre-school education. The President concluded his visit by penning a commemorative note in the guest book at the Vocational Training Centre and posing for a group photograph with the students. He also engaged in a cordial discussion with the students, taking the opportunity to capture a few ‘selfies’ with them. Key figures present at the event included Sports and Youth Affairs Ministry Secretary K. Mahesan, National Youth Service Council Chairman and Director General Pasindu Gunaratne, Director of Presidential Youth and Sustainable Development Randula Abeyweera, Officer in charge of Lalith Athulathmudali Vocational Training Centre B.M. Ranil, and other officers.