ADB approves $100mn loan to strengthen Sri Lanka's vocational training sector

The Asian Development Bank (ADB) has approved a $100 million loan to support Sri Lanka's vocational education and skills development sector, with a particular focus on improving employment prospects for women.

The financing package is designed to strengthen vocational training infrastructure and programmes across the country, helping to address skills gaps in the labour market and enhance the employability of school leavers and job seekers. The initiative recognises the critical role that technical and vocational education plays in driving economic growth and creating sustainable employment opportunities.

A key component of the ADB-funded programme targets gender equity in the workforce, seeking to increase female participation in vocational training courses and support women's transition into gainful employment. The project acknowledges persistent gender disparities in Sri Lanka's labour market and aims to create pathways for women to access higher-skilled, better-paying positions across various economic sectors.

The loan forms part of a broader regional strategy by the ADB to strengthen human capital development in South Asia. Sri Lanka's focus on vocational education aligns with national development objectives to diversify the economy and create more high-quality employment opportunities for its growing workforce.

Implementation of the programme is expected to benefit thousands of individuals across the country seeking to acquire market-relevant skills and secure stable employment.