Five sessions were successfully conducted by the officers of Sampath Bank at Technical Colleges located in Kurunegala, Matara, Beliatta, Polonnaruwa and Kegalle, with a participation exceeding 400 students.
Approximately 250,000 students face the GCE Advanced Level Examination every year, with only about 30,000 being granted entrance to the respective local universities.
The remaining students are often provided with Technical & Vocational Training across a range of professional skills and capabilities.
At present 39 Technical Colleges are scattered across Sri Lanka, which fall under the purview of the Department of Technical Education & Training, which in turn functions under the Ministry of Skills Development and Vocational Training.
"We believe that a strong Vocational Guidance and Counseling Service is of vital importance in shaping our nation's future and ensuring the development of students who have not gained admittance to local universities.
That's why we are partnering with Sampath Bank to achieve a common goal to increase and enhance the productivity and efficiency of professional education system and help the youth to realize their dreams," said Ms. P.N.K Malalasekara, Director General, Department of Technical Education and Training.
Sampath Bank's DGM - Branch Banking, Mr. Thusitha Nakalanda said, "Sampath Bank has always been a progressive, people-centric entity, focused on building the nation's wealth, prosperity and creating opportunities for growth.
We hope that through these sessions, using our experience, insight and business acumen, we can encourage and foster entrepreneurial thinking among students, and develop the business leaders of the future."
This project was conducted as part of Sampath Bank’s flagship CSR Programme ‘Sampath Saviya’, reinforcing the Bank’s commitment towards inculcating a spirit of entrepreneurship across the island.
During the year the Bank conducted a range of programmes under this project for a diverse cross-section of Sri Lankans including youth, women, war widows, senior citizens, and export-ready customers, thereby continuing along its mission to empower and uplift the nation and its people.