Vice President for the South Asia Region of the World Bank, Martin Raiser, and Prime Minister Dr. Harini Amarasuriya discussed critical areas, such as education, gender equality, and regional inclusivity, with a particular emphasis on enhancing access to quality education through the Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) sector, the Prime Minister’s office said yesterday.

The Prime Minister’s office stated that the meeting highlighted the need to address national challenges and drive sustainable progress. A major focus of the discussion was the importance of aligning TVET with mainstream education to create diverse career pathways for students. Both parties underscored the potential of the TVET sector to equip students with practical skills and knowledge, thereby bridging the gap between education and employment.

“Aligning TVET with mainstream education is crucial to providing students with diverse career opportunities and ensuring they are well-prepared for the demands of the modern workforce,” the Prime Minister’s office noted. This alignment is expected to play a pivotal role in addressing youth unemployment and fostering economic growth.

In addition to education, the meeting also addressed gender equality in the workforce. Both the World Bank and the Sri Lankan government recognized the need for targeted policy interventions and support systems to enhance women’s participation in economic activities. This includes creating an enabling environment that promotes equal opportunities and empowers women to contribute effectively to the nation’s development.

The discussions reinforced the mutual commitment of Sri Lanka and the World Bank to collaborate on sustainable solutions that enhance education, gender equity, and regional development. The partnership aims to address systemic challenges and create inclusive growth opportunities for all segments of society.

The meeting was attended by senior officials from the World Bank, including David Sislen, Regional Country Director for Nepal, Maldives, and Sri Lanka. On the Sri Lankan side, key representatives included Pradeep Saputhanthri, Secretary to the Prime Minister; Sagarika Bogahawatta, Additional Secretary to the Prime Minister; Samantha Bandara, Director General of the Department of External Resources; Dharshana M. Perera, Senior Director-General for Economic Affairs (Bilateral) at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs; and Lashinka Dammullage, Director of the Southeast Asia & Central Asia Division at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.