In line with the 2026 education policy, radical transformations are being brought to improve technical and vocational education in the school system, announced Prime Minister and Minister of Education, Higher Education and Vocational Education, Dr. Harini Amarasuriya in Parliament yesterday (July 9).
Key Highlights of the Reforms:
- New Vocational Streams for Grades 10 and 11:
Every school will introduce vocational subjects as a group subject from Grade 10 onwards. Students will have the opportunity to follow a four-year vocational stream, culminating in the NVQ Level 4 certificate. - Curriculum Development in Progress:
The National Institute of Education (NIE) is currently developing curricula and learning modules tailored to the technical and vocational stream. - Expansion of Vocational A/L Schools:
The reform initiative will see the number of schools that provide Advanced Level vocational subjects rise to 1,000 as compared to 609 previously. - Strategic Planning: Stakeholder:
With the assistance of the Asian Development Bank (ADB) a strategic plan is under preparation in liaison with stakeholders in the vocational education spectrum. There will be a full draft of the plan ready and submitted no later than September 2025. - Teacher Recruitment and Training:
Teachers for vocational subjects in Grades 10 and 11 will be recruited and trained via teacher training colleges to ensure quality instruction and strengthen the sector’s infrastructure. - Continuous Professional Development:
Over the next five years, a series of annual teacher development programs will be implemented for those already teaching vocational subjects. These programs will align educators with industry standards and evolving trends. - Updated Subject Modules:
The vocational stream curriculum will be reviewed and updated in line with modern industry demands. All necessary module revisions will be completed in 2026 and 2027.
“These reforms are aimed at creating a robust and relevant vocational education framework that equips students with practical skills and nationally recognized qualifications.”
— Prime Minister Dr. Harini Amarasuriya
Source moe.gov.lk Website moe.gov.lk
