Transport, Highways and Media Minister Dr.Bandula Gunawardhana exchanging the agreement with Rupavahini Chairman Dr.Prasad Samarasinghe while State Minister Kanaka Herath and Media Ministry Secretary Anusha Palpita and Orel Corporation Director Gamini Ranasinghe and Marketing GM Gayan Perera look on.
Picture by Gayan Pushpika
Three programmes are going to be launched aiming to create a job oriented workforce which is capable of drawing foreign reserves to the country, jointly by Sri Lanka Rupavahini Corporation along with the Media, Information and Technology Ministries.
Accordingly, the programmes called IT for All (Semata IT), Freelancer and Pro+ will be implemented from August 12.
Media Minister Dr. Bandula Gunawardhana said that these programmes are being introduced with the aim of creating a trained workforce in Sri Lanka to assist the national economy.
Pointing out that economic development can be achieved by using human resources effectively, the minister said that the main reason for the current economic crisis is the lack of proper utilization of human resources. Accordingly, mainstream media including TV channels will be used for productive activities such as knowledge building and workforce training, he said.
He further said that under-utilized resources are being used effectively to provide professional training. According to him, television, radio and print media can be widely used to make people knowledgeable.
The “IT for all” programme implemented jointly with the Moratuwa University will introduce various courses to university students and youths who have left school. Under this, IT for all provides guidance and awareness programmes to get employment opportunities. Apart from that, imparting information technology knowledge is the primary objective of ‘IT for All’ programme. The related programmes will be broadcast every Saturday at 4.30 pm from August 12.
The “Freelancer” programme has given Sri Lankan youth the opportunity to generate foreign exchange for the country. According to experts, about US$ 12 billion can be earned annually through the proper use of this Freelancer field. It is reported that most of the developed countries generate about US$ 20 billion annually through Freelancing. The “Pro+” programme will produce professionals with professional skills and qualifications. Thus, NVQ level 3 qualification is offered to professionals in fields like plumbing, electrician etc. After studying the relevant professional courses and obtaining a NVQ Level 3 qualification, the relevant professionals will be able to easily get job opportunities at home and abroad.
Technology State Minister Kanaka Herath, who joined the occasion, pointed out that this programme will play a big role in creating a digital economy.
Dharma Sri Abeyratne