Business
KOICA provides a grant worth 6 million USD
Master Plan intermediate workshop for tertiary and vocational education and training career platform project
Korea International Cooperation Agency (KOICA) provided a grant worth 6 million USD to the Ministry of Education and Tertiary and Vocational Training Commission to implement the Tertiary and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) Career Platform in the year 2022.
The objective of this project is to establish an ICT-based career platform for TVET trainees for their development and to improve their employment status. In addition to the development of the Career Platform, the project has also invested significantly in strengthening the capacities of the service providers attached to the platform. KOICA with the joint effort of Project Management Consultant experts from UBION already conducted the first workshop on 29th March at Mandarina Hotel. The second workshop under the project was held on the 31st of August at Jetwing Colombo Seven with the participation of High-Level Officers including the Additional Secretary of the Ministry of Education, Ms. Muditha Malkanthi, Country Director of KOICA Sri Lanka Office. Ms. Kim Myung Jin and many other invitees representing public and private sector organizations.
The aim of this workshop was to determine the strategic direction necessary for the development of the Master Plan by conducting on-site surveys and engaging in consultations with the core working group. The primary objective of this workshop was to enhance the employment prospects of vocational and technical education trainees in Sri Lanka and improve the quality of career development guidance provided to them.
The workshop was declared open by Ms. Kim Myung Jin, the Country Director of KOICA stating that Education is a core component for capacity enhancement, therefore Korean Government and KOICA invested great importance in education. Education is one of the key umbrella policies from Korea to Sri Lanka. Therefore, KOICA believes it is essential to strengthen the education system, specially for developing countries.
Addressing the gathering, Ms. Muditha Malkanthi, The Additional Secretary of the Ministry of Education appreciated KOICA and the Korean Government for the provision of numerous grant arrangements for the development of the TVET sector in Sri Lanka. She also mentioned that the TVET Career Platform is the latest initiative of the Korean Government with 6 million USD financial assistance and expected to see that this career platform will give clear career paths for the vocational students of Sri Lanka.
The workshop shared knowledge regarding the ongoing process of the project along with the results of the local demand survey and global experiences of digitalization of career guidance systems with a guest speech from Erandika Dissanayake, National Project Coordinator – Youth Entrepreneurship at International Labor Organization (ILO). Further, the workshop continued with a panel discussion between TVET policymakers, career guidance officers and key industry stakeholders.
For the implementation of the project, KOICA engaged a Project Management Consultancy (PMC) team from UBION which has been working in the TVET and Edtech Fields in Korea for more than 20 years. The PMC facilitated the resources for the workshop as well. (KOICA)
Gigalingua Lanka, a premier German language institute, officially launched in Colombo with a ribbon-cutting ceremony attended by distinguished guests, including Dr. Felix Neumann, German ambassador to Sri Lanka. This marks a significant milestone for Sri Lankan professionals, especially nurses, looking to expand their careers in Germany’s thriving healthcare sector.
In collaboration with its strategic partner Global Care Solutions (Pvt) Ltd – a renowned company in the foreign recruitment industry – Gigalingua Lanka offers a unique pathway for Sri Lankan nurses and apprentices to master the German language and pursue rewarding career opportunities in Germany.
Dr. Felix Neumann, the Chief Guest at the event, expressed his support for the initiative, emphasizing the importance of language education as a bridge to global career prospects. In his speech, Dr. Neumann noted, “German language is not only a means of communication, it is a gateway to global career opportunities.” He commended Gigalingua Lanka for providing valuable opportunities for Sri Lankans and addressing the critical demand for skilled workers, especially in the nursing sector in Germany.
Gigalingua Lanka is the first private institute in Sri Lanka to offer comprehensive German language training up to the B2 level, and conduct TELC exam. The institution also provides language training for apprentices, allowing them to undertake the Apprenticeship Program and contribute to the growing labor market in Germany. The collaboration between Gigalingua Lanka and Global Care Solutions is designed to meet Germany’s growing need for skilled workers, particularly in the healthcare sector.
The event was attended by a number of prominent figures, including Dr. Felix Neumann , Arthur Senanayake (chairman of IWS Holdings), Eran Wickramaratne – former MP, Chandra Schaffter – ( Founder of Janashakthi Insurance ), Dhammika Attygalle (Director Upali Group of Companies and President Automobile Association of Ceylon) Former Wing Commander Buwaneka Abeysuriya (Ex- chairman Janatha Estates Development Board).
Chairman of Global Care Solutions, Thomas Michael Kriwat, who is also chairman of the Mercmarine Group of Companies in Germany, highlighted the significance of the new training center. He said, “We are bringing world-class German occupational language training to Colombo, offering a structured, career-focused pathway for Sri Lankan professionals. By introducing TELC (The European Language Certificates) as an officially certified German language test authority, we are increasing accessibility for students seeking internationally recognized qualifications.”
At the thanksgiving speech, Dr. Rajan Sara, Managing Director of Global Care Solutions and Director of Gigalingua Lanka, outlined the critical need for foreign nurses in Germany. “Germany is facing a significant shortage of nurses, estimated to need an additional 150,000 by 2025. This is exacerbated by an aging population and increasing healthcare demands. Over 47,000 vacancies in the healthcare sector remain unfilled, making it an ideal time for Sri Lankan nurses to seize this opportunity,” Dr. Sara explained. (Gigalingua Lanka)
In keeping with its vision to consistently evolve and address accelerated business growth needs, Brown & Company PLC recently unveiled its new state-of-the-art manufacturing and warehouse facility in Katunayake. Strategically located within minutes of the Bandaranaike International Airport and the nation’s rapidly evolving highway network, the space is positioned to significantly enhance Browns’ logistical capabilities. The hub will enable seamless access to key markets across the island, further solidifying the Company’s principal role in a cross-section of industries.
The inaugural event of the Browns Group Industrial Park was attended by Ishara Nanayakkara, Chairman, Brown & Company PLC and Deputy Chairman, LOLC Holdings PLC and Kapila Jayawardene, Group Managing Director/CEO, LOLC Holdings PLC along with key officials from the Browns and LOLC Group.
Dialog Axiata PLC, Sri Lanka’s #1 connectivity provider, has successfully launched the highly anticipated vivo V50 smartphone, marking a significant milestone in its commitment to bringing 5G technology and pro-level mobile experiences to Sri Lankan customers, with the first customer handover taking place on 27th March 2025.
The vivo V50, designed in collaboration with ZEISS, combines advanced features such as a 50MP ZEISS OIS Main Camera, a powerful Snapdragon® 7 Gen 3 processor, and a stunning 6,000mAh battery, all housed in a sleek, ultra-slim design. Available at an attractive price, the vivo V50 delivers unmatched mobile performance for work, play, and creativity, offering features such as AI-enhanced photography, 4K video recording, and lightning-fast 90W FlashCharge technology. The vivo V50 also boasts a 41° golden curvature for a comfortable grip and a premium, cinematic mobile experience.
Dialog’s partnership with vivo underscores its commitment to bringing the latest in 5G innovation to Sri Lanka, providing customers with access to next-generation mobile experiences and empowering them to capture, create, and connect like never before. The vivo V50 is now available for purchase at Dialog’s Experience Centers and via https://www.dialog.lk/phones/vivo-v50-5g-12gb.
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