The 2015 newly established and German-supported Sri Lanka German Training Institute (SLGTI) in
Kilinochchi received modern industrial training equipment through a grant worth up to Rs 110
million.

The donation of training equipment is a result of a partnership agreement between the Stassen
Group and the Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ) GmbH, on behalf of
the Federal Ministry of Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ) and illustrates the close
social partnership between industry and TVET institutions.

The training equipment designed for SLGTI will be officially handed over by His Excellency German
Ambassador Mr. Jörn Rohde together with Stassen Group Chairman Harry Jayawardena to the SLGTI
students on 18th September.

German Ambassador to Sri Lanka and the Maldives H.E. Jörn Rohde said:
“The equipment will effectively elevate Sri Lanka’s vocational training systems towards industry
needs. This donation comes at a crucial time since modern industry with its automated systems and
assembly lines require highly skilled workers and a competitive workforce.

I am especially grateful to Stassen group Chairman Harry Jayawardena for donating state of the art
equipment which will provide students and faculty members with the necessary tools to develop the
right skills to cater for industry demands in our knowledge-based societies. I also commend Mr.
Jayawardena’s gesture as an exemplary contribution of a leading Sri Lankan business representative
helping to upskill the country’s labour force. I am happy to announce that Germany will cooperate
with Sri Lanka in funding another Vocational Training Center in Matara. Currently the respective
agreements are being prepared.”

The Director-Principal of the SLGTI, Mr. Erwin Schulz, said: “The donated equipment will greatly
enhance training capacities for students in our key departments, such as mechatronics, automobile,
construction and food technology “.

Photo - Principal of Sri Lanka-German Training Institute Erwin Schulz (far left), Minister of Finance and Mass Media Mangala Samaraweera (fifth from left), Minister of Industry, Commerce, Resettlement of Protracted Displaced Persons, Cooperative Development, Skills Development & Vocational Training (ICTPDPCDSDVT) Rishad Bathiudeen (sixth from left), and HE German Ambassador to Sri Lanka Joern Rohde (far right) seen after the launch of the new National Level Vocational Training Centre in Ariya Nagar, Kilinochchi on 18 September.