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| Sunday, 18 September 2005 |
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Tsunami devastated centres restored : Record 70,000 for training by Ananda Kannangara A record 70,000 apprentices have been selected for vocational training for this year at the eight reconstructed vocational training centres devastated by the December 26 tsunami in the Southern Province, Skills Development, Vocational and Technical Education Ministry statistics revealed yesterday. It is said that increasing number of trainees have been selected for various courses during this year than last year at these vocational training centres located in Kottegoda, Weligama, Matara, Ahangama, Pettigalawatta, Ambalangoda and Galle. Speaking to the Sunday Observer Skills Development, Vocational and Technical Education Minister Piyasena Gamage said that 15 vocational training centres of his Ministry were damaged during the tsunami and only eight in the Southern Province were reconstructed. It is said that the estimated cost of damaged equipment and buildings of these 15 training centres exceeded Rs. 321.4 million. "The construction work of the remaining seven centres in the Northern and Eastern coastal belt will commence as early as possible," he said. The seven centres in the North and East, devastated in the tsunami were Karathivu, Kalmunai, Pottuvil, Akkaraipattu, Kalavanchikudy and Mullaitivu. It is reported that the vocational training activities of needy persons in the North-East area are presently carried out by the Ministry of Rehabilitation with the help of provincial councils. Minister Gamage said that the educational activities of nearly 1200 children, hampered by the disaster were transferred to other training centres until the renovations of the buildings were completed. Gamage further said that three teachers, engaged in duties in the vocational training centres in the Southern Province also died in the disaster. Some of the main courses presently conducted by the training centres are computer, motor mechanism, welding, carpentry, electrical and catering services and they are conducted by the Ministry under the supervision of the Vocational Training Authority (VTA) and the National Apprentice and Industrial Training Authority (NAITA).
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