The Colombo Plan Staff College (CPSC) has long supported the development of TVET in Sri Lanka through training programs, policy discussions, and collaborative research focused on sustainable development. In line with this mission, CPSC, in partnership with the Ministry of Education, Higher Education, and Vocational Education, Sri Lanka, organized an online In-Country Program on “TVET for Sustainable Development” from June 16 to 20, 2025.

A total of 20 participants, comprising directors, deputy directors, high officials, and instructors from TVET institutions in Sri Lanka, participated in the five-day program. The participants explored TVET’s contribution to achieving the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly SDG 4 (Quality Education) and SDG 8 (Decent Work and Economic Growth). The training also emphasized the practical application of green skills and enabled participants to introduce eco-friendly and sustainable practices within their respective fields. In addition, the program promoted the integration of sustainability-focused curricula and competency-based training in institutions, as well as stronger collaboration between TVET providers, industries, and policymakers.

The program was supervised by Prof. Dr. Suresh Kumar Dhameja, CPSC Director General, and Ms. Samanthi Senanayake, Additional Secretary (Vocational Training) of the Ministry of Education - Skills Development. Meanwhile, Dr. Kesavan Ulaganathen, CPSC Faculty Consultant, and Prof. Naeem Yaqoob, CPSC Faculty Specialist, served as Program Coordinators.

Ms. Dimuthu Prabha Chandrasiri, Director (Vocational Training) of the Ministry of Education - Skills Development, Vocational Education, Research and Innovation, delivers her welcome remarks for the opening ceremony

During the opening ceremony, Ms. Dimuthu Prabha Chandrasiri, Director (Vocational Training) of the Ministry of Education - Skills Development, Vocational Education, Research and Innovation, delivered a welcome remarks wherein she underscored the need to create a workforce that is capable of leading the green transition, embracing the digital future, and contributing to inclusive and sustainable growth. She emphasized the importance of sustainability across all levels of the TVET ecosystem, particularly from curriculum and policy frameworks to entrepreneurship development.


Ms. Samanthi Senanayake, Additional Secretary (Vocational Training) of the Ministry of Education - Skills Development, extends her greetings to all participants and program organizers in her welcome message

Ms. Samanthi echoed these sentiments and encouraged participants to fully engage in the learning experience. She noted that “As trainers and educators, continuous knowledge upgrading is essential. Online training such as this offers a cost-effective opportunity to gain global insights and remain future-ready.”







Prof. Dr. Suresh Kumar Dhameja, CPSC Director General, welcomes the participants during the opening ceremony

The opening program was further graced by Prof. Dr. Dhameja, who highlighted the role of TVET in addressing global challenges such as climate change, inequality, and technological disruption. “TVET is not only a tool for skills development but also a key driver for economic, social, and environmental sustainability,” he said. He also urged participants to embrace innovation, green practices, and collaboration to transform their institutions and communities.

The CPSC Director General presents his special lecture on “Achieving UN-SDGs through TVET”

Over the five days, participants attended the sessions on topics of green skills, innovation and technology in TVET, circular economy, entrepreneurship, policy, and funding strategies. Resource speakers included Dr. Kesavan Ulaganathen, Prof. Naeem Yaqoob, Ms. Therese Lee, Dr. Chandra Sagaran M. Muniandy, Ms. Samanthi Senanayake, Dr. K.A. Lalithadheera, Mr. Ravith Silva, and Mr. Hasitha Wijesundara. A special lecture was also delivered by Prof. Dr. Dhameja, wherein he discussed the “Achieving UN-SDGs through TVET”.

Lectures in session

In addition to lectures, participants joined interactive workshops and task exercises, including curriculum development, green business planning, and creating action plans for sustainability. These hands-on activities helped participants apply what they learned to real-world TVET settings.

The Sri Lankan participants and Program Organizers pose for a group photo during the closing ceremony

The program ended with a closing ceremony where participants shared their insights and experiences from the training program. The participants described the training as “transformative, practical, and inspiring.”

Dr. Kesavan presented a summary of the program and congratulated the participants for their active engagement. He also encouraged the participants to take sustainability forward in their institutions. Furthermore, Ms. Samanthi applauded the participants’ enthusiasm and emphasized the Ministry’s ongoing support for capacity development to shape a greener and more inclusive TVET system in Sri Lanka. Ms. Dimuthu also shared her sentiments, affirming that the training aligns well with ongoing policy reforms aimed at revitalizing the national TVET sector.

As the program concluded, CPSC and Sri Lanka reaffirmed the shared mission of advancing sustainability through education and the continued partnership.