GIZ Sri Lanka

09/10/2024

Ambassador Dr Felix Neumann paid a courtesy call on the new President of Sri Lanka Anura Kumara Dissanayake today. There was a cordial discussion about vocational training, skills development, reconciliation, the new administration´s measures against corruption as well as enhancing the strong bilateral relationship with Sri Lanka’s participation at the Asia Pacific Conference 2024 in New Delhi from 24 – 26 October. 🇩🇪🇱🇰

Ambassador Neumann was accompanied by Deputy Chief of Mission, Mr Olaf Malchow and Advisor on Political Affairs Ms Dharini Daluwatte.

01/10/2024

30/09/2024

02/09/2024

02/09/2024

24/08/2024

GIZ together with The Coca-Cola System, Nestlé, Unilever, and Local Authorities invest to create value from waste via a Public-Private Partnership

In light of the solid waste management challenges faced, Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ) GmbH and three of Sri Lanka’s largest Fast Moving Consumer Goods (FMCG) companies – Coca-Cola Sri Lanka Beverages Ltd. along with The Coca-Cola Foundation, Nestlé, and Unilever, have come together to launch a sustainable plastic waste management project, with the ambition of tackling plastic pollution and leveraging the untapped potential of plastic waste. This Public-Private Partnership (PPP) named ‘Waste to Value’ aims to strengthen infrastructure on collection, segregation, recycling, and upcycling of plastic waste, whilst driving a behavioural change towards a circular economy by creating awareness on the value of responsibly disposed waste to livelihoods and the environment.

Financed by the German Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ) as part of its develoPPP programme, together with its consortium partners, the project will be conducted in two phases partnering the Ministry of Public Administration, Home Affairs, Provincial Councils, and Local Government. Having initiated the groundwork in 2022, the consortium conducted a baseline survey to understand the plastic waste landscape of Local Authorities in the Western Province, including the tonnage collected, available space, and potential for segregation and recycling. Following a thorough review, nine Local Authorities were selected for the project.

From left to right: Mr. Tobias Stolz (GIZ Country Representative), Mr. Bernhard Stefan (Managing Director, Nestlé Lanka Limited), Mr. Pradeep Yasarathna (Secretary of the Ministry of Public
Administration, Home Affairs, Provincial Councils and Local Government), Mr. Ali Tarique (Chairman & Chief Executive Officer, Unilever Sri Lanka Ltd.), Mr. Rajeev Tandon (Director – Finance, Coca-Cola Sri Lanka Beverages Ltd.)

23/08/2024

29/07/2024

A consultative workshop on Green Public Procurement (GPP) was held in Cinnamon Grand, Colombo, on 24th July 2024. This event was organized under the GIZ Sri Lanka- "SCPO in Asia - The Next Five Project," funded by the German Federal Ministry for the Environment, Nature Conservation, Nuclear Safety and Consumer Protection (BMUV) and implemented in collaboration with the Ministry of Environment, Sri Lanka. The workshop was technically led by experts from the Industrial Services Bureau (ISB).

The Kick-off workshop gathered key stakeholders for GPP implementation in Sri Lanka including, the National Steering Committee, Inter-Agency Expert Committee (IAEC), and Multistakeholder Technical Committee (MSTC). This Kick-off Workshop served as a launchpad for comprehensive Public and Market Surveys, which aim to gather critical data on public procurement trends and market readiness for environmentally friendly products and services. This data will be instrumental in informing the development of targeted GPP/SPP policies and pilot projects, ultimately contributing to a more sustainable Sri Lanka.

01/07/2024

At GIZ, we think globally and act locally –

Because we are implementing policies.

Because we are shaping digital change.

Because we are breaking new ground and creating new perspectives.

25/06/2024

Sri Lanka Advances Sustainable Procurement with Green Public Procurement Policy

The Ministry of Environment in collaboration with the Ministry of Finance Sri Lanka, proudly announces the launch of its Green Public Procurement (GPP) e-booklet. This initiative has been supported by the "Sustainable Consumption and Production Outreach in Asia - The Next Five" project of the GIZ Sri Lanka.

The GPP policy, unveiled in the presence of the H.E. Ranil Wickremesinghe, President of Sri Lanka on World Environment Day, signifies Sri Lanka's commitment to a more sustainable future. By prioritizing environmentally responsible practices in government procurement, the GPP policy will contribute to:

• Reduced Environmental Impact: Minimizing the ecological footprint of government purchases.
• Resource Conservation: Promoting the efficient use of natural resources.
• Innovation in Sustainable Solutions: Encouraging the development and adoption of environmentally friendly products and services.
This video delves deeper into the GPP policy and its potential benefits for Sri Lanka.

22/05/2024

18/05/2024

Vocational Training Authority (VTA) together with technical and financial assistance from GIZ- Vocational Training in Sri Lanka (VTSL 2) project commenced Caregiver (Adult) NVQ Level 4 training programme on 15th May 2024 at Akuressa Vocational Training Center.

Introduction of Caregiver (Adult) NVQ Level 4 course aims to train school leavers, particularly young individuals from low-income families, to become professional caregivers. The VTSL 2 project financed over Rs 10 million to setup a training facility with state-of-the-art training equipment, assistance in conducting supplementary English and soft skills training for trainees, and assistance with social marketing promotion. The training facility can conduct training for 200 trainees.

The Chairman/CEO of the VTA Mr S.K. Rajapakshe and GIZ VTSL Project Manager Mr Fabio Germano ceremoniously commenced the training programme. Akuressa District Secretary Mr Ganesha Amarasinghe and Assistant District Secretary, Provincial Secretaries, Vice President of VTA, Director (Planning and Research), Director (Career Guidance and Promotion), Mr. Iroshan Halgamuwa, Advisor- Labour Market & Inclusive TVET and Administrative Specialist Mr.Thiyagendran of GIZ VTSL Project were also present.
VTSL 2 project, implemented by Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ) GmbH on behalf of the German Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ), is supported by the Swiss Agency for Development and Cooperation (SDC) of the Federal Department of Foreign Affairs (FDFA).

06/05/2024

Do you work in Eco Labelling or Conformity Assessment?
We're seeking your valuable input! We're calling for information from Eco Labelling schemes and Conformity Assessment Bodies to inform the criteria development process for the NELF.

The Ministry of Environment, in collaboration with GIZ's "Sustainable Consumption and Production Outreach in Asia – the Next Five" Project, is developing a National Framework on Eco Labelling (NELF)!

Additionally, we're looking for passionate individuals and organizations to join the development process!

What are the benefits?
Contribute to a greener Sri Lanka!
Enhance your knowledge and expertise in eco-labelling.
Be a part of a groundbreaking initiative.
Interested?

Share your information or express your interest: [[email protected] ]

Together, let's build a robust and effective National Framework on Eco Labelling!

29/03/2024

27/03/2024

25/03/2024

Over 600 women, entrepreneurs, youth, and men representing over 10 women development societies gathered in Tissamaharama celebrated International Women’s Day under the theme "Inspiring Inclusion: Women-led Social Entrepreneurship”, highlighting the pivotal role of women in driving economic empowerment through social entrepreneurship.

Organized by GIZ- Vocational Training in Sri Lanka (VTSL 2) Project together with the Women Development Federation (WDF), the event aimed to celebrate the achievements of women while advocating for greater gender equality and inclusivity, particularly in the realm of social entrepreneurship.

Addressing the event, Ms. Shriyani Mangalika, Managing Director of WDF said, "Today's celebration is a testament to the power of collective action in driving positive change. By empowering women to lead in social entrepreneurship, we are paving the way for a more inclusive and sustainable future," she said.

Delivering an inspirational keynote address, Ms. Achala Samaradivakara, Co-Founder and Managing Director of Good Market Lanka showcased some of the successful women social entrepreneurs on her platform who are contributing to the economy while providing employment to women in their locality.

Director (Samurdhi) Hambantota District, Ms.Shanthi Aluthge and Mr Suranga Media, Chairman of Ceylon German Technical Training Institute and Mr. Fabio Germano, Project Manager of GIZ VTSL project were among the distinguished guests.

VTSL 2 project, implemented by Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ) GmbH on behalf of the German Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ), is supported by the Swiss Agency for Development and Cooperation (SDC) of the Federal Department of Foreign Affairs (FDFA).

21/03/2024

GIZ- Vocational Training in Sri Lanka (VTSL 2) Project together with the Tertiary and Vocational Education Commission (TVEC) organized ‘The Green Dialogue’, the inaugural session of a series of high-level discussions to foster meaningful conversations and collaboration on the imperative need for policy directions to establish a green economy and the consequential increase in demand for green jobs in Sri Lanka.

The keynote address, delivered by Dr. Nishan De Mel, the Executive Director and Head of Research of Verite Research and a renowned economist of the island, focused on the potential of TVET in creating a skilled workforce needed for the green economy and oulined current and future trends in green jobs. A distinguished panel of experts, comprising Dr. Janaka Jayalath (Deputy Director General, TVEC), Mr. Anushka Wijesinha (Economist, Co-founder/Director -Centre for a Smart Future), and Ms. Mega Ganeshan (Environmentalist, Philanthropist, Conservationist & Educator in Sustainability). provided valuable insights into policy directions, private sector engagement, and the greening of TVET.
The recommendations and insights shared during the event by various public and private sector stakeholders provided much-needed stimulus to the development of a skilled workforce capable of driving the transition of the green economy of the country towards sustainable development and addressing the environmental and climate challenges.

Key decision makers of TVET institutions including the Ministry of Education, Tertiary and Vocational Education Commission (TVEC), Vocational Training Authority (VTA), National Apprentice and Industrial Training Authority (NAITA), Ceylon German Technical Training Institute (CGTTI) and Sri Lanka German Training Institute (SLGTI) took part in the recently concluded Green Dialogue.

VTSL 2 project, implemented by Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ) GmbH on behalf of the German Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ), is supported by the Swiss Agency for Development and Cooperation (SDC) of the Federal Department of Foreign Affairs (FDFA).

10/03/2024

03/03/2024

A group of German Parliamentarians visited Ceylon German Technical Training Institute (CGTTI) yesterday to observe the progress and contributions made by the institute to develop vocational education in Sri Lanka over the last six decades.

The group led by Ms Renate Künast, Chairperson of the Parliamentary Group visited several departments of CGGTI and said “We as Germany are convinced that good vocational training is key for the future of every person. It is key for the development of the industry and every sector of Sri Lanka. We are very happy to here to see that it is one of the areas to strengthen the Sri Lanka- German cooperation. This is one of the points of our visit”, she said.

Dr. Felix Neumann, German Ambassador to Sri Lanka & Maldives expressed his strong belief in the importance of vocational training for the future of Sri Lanka's youth and the country's overall development. He was impressed by the work being done at CGTTI and reaffirmed Germany's commitment to strengthening the German-Sri Lankan relationship. “Germany has been a friend of Sri Lanka for 70 years, and we are proud to continue our support for the country's development,” he added.

MP Mr. Paul Lehrieder, Deputy Chairperson of the Parliamentary Group, MP Ms. Ria Schröder, Deputy Chairperson of the Parliamentary Group, MP Mr. Dr. Malte Kaufmann, Deputy Chairperson of the Parliamentary Group, MP Ms. Monika Hein, German Parliament, International Department, Secretariat of the Parliamentary Groups were part of the delegation. Mr. Suranga Mendis, Board Chairman (CGTTI) and Major General (retired) P.S. Kalpa Sanjeewa, Director/Principal (CGTTI) and Mr Tobias Stolz, Deputy Country Director GIZ Sri Lanka & Maldives facilitated the delegation visit.

GIZ Sri Lanka - Vocational Training in Sri Lanka (VTSL 2) project supports the Ceylon German Technical Training Institute (CGTTI) and Sri Lanka - German Training Institute (SLGTI) in strengthening the technical and managerial capacities of staff, provides technical and methodological advice on the organizational structure and provide support in the initiation and institutionalization of private sector partnerships.

German Embassy Colombo Ceylon German Technical Training Institute SLGTI

02/03/2024

The GIZ Sri Lanka- Vocational Training in Sri Lanka (VTSL 2) project together with the University of Vocational Technology (UNIVOTEC) conducted a planning workshop recently to strengthen the UNIVOTEC Human Resource Development Unit as a National Capacity Development and Training Hub for TVET personnel in Sri Lanka. In line with UNIVOTEC’s mandate, this collaborative effort will address the institutional development of UNIVOTEC and is expected to establish a resource pool to deliver training for executives in TVET, training centre managers, and teachers at the national level.

The representatives from the State Ministry of Skills Development, Vocational Education, Research & Innovation together with key management level decision makers of TVET institution including the Tertiary and Vocational Education Commission (TVEC), Vocational Training Authority (VTA), National Apprentice and Industrial Training Authority (NAITA), Ceylon German Technical Training Institute (CGTTI) and Sri Lanka German Training Institute (SLGTI) took part in extensive discussions on following key points:

• Strengthening UNIVOTEC as a national training hub: Enhancing its management capacity and developing a roadmap for operation.
• Modernizing TVET curricula: Adapting existing programs and creating new ones with international experts, ensuring they meet current trends.
• Greening TVET: Integrating sustainability practices into TVET education by developing training modules.
• Empowering master trainers: Equipping TVET professionals with the skills to deliver effective training programmes.

02/03/2024

Identifying and responding to the psychosocial and social cohesion needs of children and youth is an important step towards countering generational pain and rebuilding a lasting peace in Sri Lanka. The SCOPE project is excited to support the in facilitating an ongoing series of trainings for 75 teacher counselors in Vavuniya, Mannar and Jaffna, on psychological support techniques. The 10-day curriculum enables teachers to guide their students on self awareness, emotions, friendships, anxiety, body safety, autonomy, consent and goal setting, to enable life-changing outcomes.

19/02/2024

GIZ-Vocational Training in Sri Lanka Project (VTSL 2) signed an implementation agreement with the Ministry of Education to implement a €7 million project aimed at improving the Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) sector in Sri Lanka for all population groups in terms of labour market relevance, access, and environmental sustainability. Ms Wasantha Perera, Secretary to the Ministry of Education and Mr. Tobias Stolz, Deputy Country Director, GIZ Sri Lanka signed the agreement last week at the Ministry.

Together with the key technical partners including the Tertiary and Vocational Education Commission (TVEC), the Vocational Training Authority of Sri Lanka (VTA), the National Apprenticeship and Industrial Training Authority (NAITA), the Ceylon German Technical Training Institute (CGTTI), the Sri Lanka German Training Institute (SLGTI), VTSL 2 Project focuses on the following key intervention areas to strengthen the TVET sector in Sri Lanka:

• Further improve the technical and managerial capacities of the relevant public institutions, including the German Techs.

• Enhance the job prospects of disadvantaged and marginalized groups by improving employment-oriented qualification measures.

• Orient vocational training and further education programs towards ecological sustainability.

VTSL 2 project, implemented by Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ) GmbH on behalf of the German Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ), is supported by the Swiss Agency for Development and Cooperation (SDC) of the Federal Department of Foreign Affairs (FDFA).