“Let us add trained human resources to the natural resources that are a plenty in the Eastern Province and make it a mine of employment “ said Minister Dr. Sarath Amunugama.
Speaking at the certificate awarding ceremony at the Akkaraipatu Technical College, Dr. Sarath Amunugama, Minister of Science, Technology, Research, Skills Development, & Vocational Training and Kandyan Heritage said that the Eastern Province is endowed with much natural resources and it was only necessary to add trained human resources to it to make it a rich area of production and employment. The Minister was referring to the agricultural resources, the marine resources and the mineral resources of the province. Elaborating on the matter of developing human resources the Minister said that opportunities for entry to universities are limited even to intelligent young people many of whom miss that opportunity by a few marks. However, he pointed out that pursuing a course of vocational and technical education and obtaining NVQ qualifications assures young people even better employment prospects and often better paying jobs. He said that in fact the NVQ Level 7 qualification is equivalent to a university degree.
Dr. Amunugama paid a tribute to former Minister A.L.M.Athaullah for the services he rendered to the Akkaraipattu area. The Minister also announced that the Hardy Technical Institute at Amparai will be renamed as a Technological University College.