Galle Tech to gear youth for mega projects

Ruwanthi Abeyakoon

Several new technical courses will commence at the Galle Technology College targeting mega projects in Hambatota, Director General, Department of Technical Education and Training (DTET), Dr. H.L. Obeyesekera said.

“Galle Technology College will create a workforce to support the mega development projects taking place in the Hambantota district. Boat repairing and boat manufacturing courses will commence at the Beliatta Training College. Container management course, food technology, jewellery manufacturing, construction technology and automobile engineering are the other courses that will be introduced,” he said.

He said technical education will uplift the local industries in the area. “Economy moves with the service sector. Technical education will create a workforce in compliance to international standards. It will also help the Government to maintain the GPD growth of 8 per cent,” Obeyesekera explained.

“Eastern Province technical departments will be upgraded. Recently 250 internally displaced in the Batticaloa district were trained for employment in the construction industry,” he added.

“There is high demand for skilled workers locally and internationally.

They have access to employment in Singapore and Australia. The Ministry has taken an initiative to send skilled labourers abroad for employment.

We also train entrepreneurs to create the industry for the workforce”, Obeyesekera said.