The Sri Lankan government, in collaboration with private sector institutions, has initiated a groundbreaking program aimed at empowering youth pursuing education and employment opportunities in South Korea. Social Empowerment State Minister Anupa Pasqual announced the provision of soft loans through Samurdhi Bank associations to facilitate the payment of course fees for students engaged in part-time or full-time jobs while studying in South Korea. This initiative, irrespective of the students’ performance in the GCE Advanced Level Examination, underscores the government’s commitment to nurturing a skilled workforce capable of accessing lucrative employment prospects globally.
Highlighting the significance of this program, State Minister Pasqual emphasized its potential to benefit both the nation’s youth and the country’s overall economic landscape. By offering concessional bank loans, the government aims to incentivize students to pursue vocational training or graduate courses in South Korea, thereby enhancing their qualifications and competitiveness in the international job market. The launch of a Korean language learning course, held at the revered Kande Viharaya in Kalutara, marks the initial phase of this initiative, catering initially to students in the Western Province who may have discontinued their education after the Ordinary or Advanced Level Examinations.
The collaboration between Troja International Management and Consultants, Royal Way International Vocational College, and Seiko International Institute underscores the multi-stakeholder effort to facilitate access to high-income job opportunities through professional education. Director Ravindra Gayanath of the Korean Language Educational Institute emphasized the strategic importance of equipping Sri Lankan youth with proficiency in the Korean language to tap into lucrative employment avenues in Korea. The event, attended by prominent figures including Ven. Kim Yong Chul, President of the Korea–Sri Lanka Buddhist Centre, reflects the collective commitment to empowering Sri Lankan youth and fostering bilateral ties between the two nations.