Education System
History
Before Independence
After Independence
Ministry of Education
National Education System
Higher Education
Tertiary & Vocational
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Educational Institutes
Pre-Schools
Primary & Secondary
Government Schools
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Higher Education
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Tertiary & Vocational

Training Institutes
Educational & Training Institutes Vocational Training Institutes

National Universities
Universities
Study Programmes
The Open University
 Tertiary and Vocational Education
   
The Ministry of Skills Development, Vocational and Technical Education is entrusted with formulation of policies on TVET and  implementation of such policies through its implementation arms TVEC, HRDC, NITESL, DTET, VTA, NAITA, CITA, INGRIN Institute of Printing, NIBM, CGTTI, HRDC and CITI.

Those who are not admitted to the Universities, and those who have studied up to the GCE A/L and O/L exam, can either enter vocational technical schools or be employed in private companies or in government departments as apprentices or trainees. They can also pursue higher education as external students of traditional universities or at the Open university of Sri Lanka. The Open University of Sri Lanka was established in the early 1980’s with the idea of conferring degrees and diplomas to the working population who can do part-time studies by paying tuition fees.

Tertiary and Vocational Education Commission
Tertiary and Vocational Education Commission (TVEC) is the apex statutory body in vocational education and training in Sri Lanka functioning under the Ministry of Skills Development, Vocational and Technical Education. Its main responsibilities are the planning, co-ordination and development of tertiary and vocational education. Its functions include preparation of policies and plans, maintenance of a national accreditation and certification system, maintenance of Labour Market Information and assistance and guidance to Tertiary and Vocational educational institutes and development of core curricula. TVEC is the regulatory body for all aspects of implementation of Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) in Sri Lanka. TVEC has outlined the key policies and operational features of the National Vocational Qualifications Systems in Sri Lanka (NVQSL).

The NVQSL provides the opportunity for sustainable, strategic solutions for national training needs and it will easily be able to achieve international recognition for qualifications, skills and knowledge of Sri Lankan workers in an increasing competitive global environment. There are seven levels of qualifications from Level 1 to Level 7. National Certificate for Level 1 is recognizing the acquisition of a core of entry level skills. National Certificate for Level 2, 3 and 4 is recognizing the increasing levels of competencies. Level 4 qualification awards for full national craftsmanship. Level 5 and 6 is a National Diploma and it recognizes the increasing levels of competencies ranging from technical level to management level. Level 7 is a Bachelors Degree or equivalent. Certification of these levels are carried out by the institutions accredited by the TVEC and they are nationally recognized.

Accredited and Registered Training Institutes:

The Skills Development Project 
The Skills Development Project has been set up with the main objective, to improve the quality and relevance of technical education and vocational training systems. The project is implemented under the ministry with funding assistance from the Asian Development Bank.

National Institute of Technical Education of Sri Lanka (NITESL)
NITESL is the lead body functioning under the Ministry of Skills Development, Vocational and Technical Education that is mainly responsible for teacher training, curriculum development and teaching aid and material development. NITESL comes under the ministry.

NITESL was established with the task of improving both quantitative and qualitative aspects of Technical Education and Vocational Training in Sri Lanka. Objectives of NITESL are as follows: conducting pre-service and in-service technical teacher training programmes; developing computer-based and audio-visual learning aids and instructional materials; developing curricula for the technical education and vocational training programmes; training managerial staff and non-academic staff of the tertiary and vocational education sector; conducting skills development training programmes for academic staff in technical colleges and other training organisations; providing consultancy services on request for the state and non-governmental organisations; conducting research and development activities for TVET system; developing linkages between similar institutes at national and international levels.

Career Guidance and Counselling Centres
There are number of centres across the country functioning under the guidance of The Skills Development Project (SDP), Tertiary Education and Training.

Career guidance provides individuals with information, guidance and advice as well as information on training, job opportunities and about the labour market. Guidance is the direction on career and vocational options and Advice is offering a possible solution or course of action.

Visit these centres for assistance where the staff will assist you for a self assessment, information seeking and decision making on training or employment.

JobsNet – The National Employment Sourcing and Delivery System
When you are ready to find a job after your education or training JobsNet will help you to find that job by matching your needs with the Jobs available in both the local and international job markets. In case you want to feel around the job market while still at school, and wants assistance to understand the emerging trends or the current situation of the job market, this should be the place to visit. JobsNet is an interface between the key stakeholders in the employment and labour market - Jobseekers, Employers and Training Institutions.

JobsNet is the National employment sourcing and delivery system which employs an On-Line interface at www.jobsnet.lk, supported through a branch network in 19 districts.

This is primarily a referral system between people seeking employment, potential employers and Training institutions of repute. It also supports people who choose to employ themselves by starting their own business. Further it is a helpful source for research on the Labour Market, Employment status and related areas in Sri Lanka. JobsNet will guide jobseekers in re-skilling or training so that they may rightfully find employment of their choice. JobsNet also undertakes Job Market information seminars, Career Guidance and Career counselling. You can register Online or download a Jobseeker Application Form, fill it out, and walk in to the nearest JobsNet Service Centre. You will be matched for vacancies provided by reputed employers and nominated to them as suitable candidates.