The recently concluded Skills for Inclusive Growth (S4IG) Stakeholder Sustainability Conference brought together key stakeholders from both the public and private sectors. The event marked a significant milestone for S4IG and its partners during this year of completion. S4IG, an Australian Government initiative, in collaboration with the Sri Lankan Ministry of Education, aims to foster sustainable job creation, increased income, and business growth for marginalised and disadvantaged individuals through skill development. It has been a key pillar of Australia’s support for Sri Lanka’s economic recovery and inclusive socioeconomic development. Particularly noteworthy is the program’s focus on women and people with disability, ensuring inclusive skill development across the tourism value chain. During the conference, their partners reaffirmed their commitment to the continuity of S4IG initiatives beyond the program’s conclusion in 2024. They appreciated the innovative interventions and skill development initiatives that have empowered individuals and communities within the tourism sector. As tourism remains a vital component of Sri Lanka’s economic growth, S4IG’s impact extends beyond individual skill development to benefit the wider economy.
In Sri Lanka, inclusion lies at the heart of the program’s initiatives, bolstered by policy-level accommodations for people with disability. The professional cookery course, embraced by both public and private sectors, has proven financially successful for the delivering institutes. Additionally, the innovative approach to business coaching empowers over 170 small and medium-sized enterprises (MSMEs) across the country. With a growing number of licensed coaches, MSMEs are benefiting from tailored coaching services. Furthermore, the e-tourism model, which uplifts local communities and drives destination development, is set to launch as a paid course through a leading Sri Lankan hospitality training institution, Sri Lanka Institute of Tourism & Hotel Management (SLITHM). Finally, ‘The Hotel Operations Multitasker Course’ has gained momentum among MSME business owners and training providers island wide.
Mr. Lakshman Fernando, the Vice Chairman of Vocational Training Authority (VTA) expressed enthusiasm, stating, “Our partnership with S4IG has yielded remarkable results, and we remain dedicated to sustaining this positive trajectory.” Similarly Mr. Janaka Jayalath Deputy Director General of the Tertiary and Vocational Education Commission (TVEC), another key stakeholder, affirmed their support stating “We will update the reasonable adjustment circulars in a timely manner to incorporate global best practices” Mr. Nuwan Jayaweera, Director of People and Culture at Gamma PizzaKraft Lanka (Pvt) Ltd stated that the company currently employs 160 people with disabilities, and they plan to double this number by 2026. Team leader Stephen Lodziak emphasized the collaborative nature of S4IG’s success, saying, “Our skills models are not only developed but also embedded and implemented by our committed public and private partners across Sri Lanka. We are honoured to bring these impactful interventions to Sri Lanka, recognizing their positive impact on individuals and communities beyond S4IG closing in November this year”.