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EDEX Expo 2014 draws record crowds in Kandy

By Shirajiv Sirimane in Kandy

EDEX Expo 2014, the ninth edition of Sri Lanka's largest education exhibition concluded at the Kandy City Centre drawing record crowds and stalls.

The EDEX Job Fair which was introduced this year was another major attraction.

This endeavour was further assisted by the Institute of Personnel Managers, Sri Lanka (IPM-SL) and Sri Lanka Career Guidance Counsellors Association.

Chairman EDEX, Kamal Abeyasinghe said that today the world over, education and training needs continue to evolve constantly, as economic demands; technological advancements and factors of competitiveness keep changing.

"For the country to forge ahead with rapid and inclusive growth and propel the economy, the Government aims to attract foreign investments in large scale and aggressively pursue the five hubs - aviation, shipping, knowledge, energy, and commerce - along with tourism and ICT."

"We are confident that EDEX Expo being a catalyst, will showcase diverse professional and vocational training opportunities in most of the key industries identified with the 5 hubs +1 and many more other industries, for the benefit of our youth."

Governor of the Central Province Tikiri Kobbekaduwa was the chief guest at the opening ceremony on Friday.

The Print Media sponsor for the event was Associated Newspapers of Ceylon Limited.

EDEX Expo 2014 is endorsed by the Presidential Secretariat, Ministries of Higher Education, Education, Youth Affairs and Skills Development, Environment and Renewable Energy, Labour and Labour Relations and Productivity Promotion, while Strategic Partners such as Ceylon Chamber of Commerce (CCC), Information and Communication Technology Agency of Sri Lanka (ICTA), Sri Lanka Association of Software and Services Companies (SLASSCOM) and the Employers' Federation of Ceylon (EFC) signify its relevance to many industry chambers and employers.