Sri Lanka recently joined the global community in celebrating World Youth Skills Day 2025, with a series of events organized by the Vocational Education Division of the Ministry of Education, Higher Education, and Vocational Education.

Sri Lanka first proposed the observance of this day to the United Nations General Assembly in 2014, leading to its global adoption the following year. Since then, the day has served as a platform to highlight the importance of equipping youth with the skills needed to thrive in an evolving world.

This year’s celebrations carried the theme “Empowering Youth through Artificial Intelligence and Digitalization.” Commemorative programs took place in several districts, including Matara, Kurunegala, and Kilinochchi, while the main ceremony was held at the Korean National Vocational Training Institute in Orugodawatta.

Deputy Minister of Vocational Education Nalin Hewage graced the occasion, joined by key officials such as Additional Secretaries Samanthi Mihindukula, Samanthi Senanayake, Himali Ataudage, and G. Samarasinghe, as well as Director General (Planning) W.A.R.B. Weerasekera. Senior representatives from the Vocational Training Authority and other institutions, together with students from across the island, also took part.

The focus on artificial intelligence and digitalization underscored the government’s commitment to preparing young Sri Lankans for future opportunities in a technology-driven world.