He recalled that before the election of the current government, the students had to pay for some institutions which were under the Ministry of Skills Development and Vocational Training.

The President was speaking at the World Youth Skills Day celebration held yesterday (19th July) at the Sugathadasa Stadium.

“The government is performing to strengthen the free education and provide good vocational training to the youth in the country. Number of investments has been made on this regard”, he said.

According to a request made by the government of Sri Lanka, the United Nations Organization declared 15th July as the World Youth Skills Day.

The President presented prizes to the vocational training students who won the provincial and national level competitions held in line with the World Youth Skills Day.

Minister of Skills Development and Vocational Training Chandima Weerakkody presented the document on establishing of the Sri Lanka Skills Secretariat, to the President on this occasion.

The documents on Ten+One program which is to establish a national skilled workforce were also presented to the President.

Deputy Minister of Skills Development and Vocational Training Karunarathne Paranawithana and the Secretary to the Ministry P. Ranepura also participated.