Senior education officials, government representatives, and industry stakeholders from New Zealand and Sri Lanka convened in Colombo on August 24 to discuss new avenues for collaboration in education and workforce development. The event, titled "Applied Learning and Industry Connect," was hosted by Education New Zealand Manapou ki te Ao (ENZ) and marks the initial phase of a broader initiative to establish sustainable partnerships and increase transnational education opportunities between the two countries.
Held at the Shangri-La Hotel, the gathering focused on practical strategies to enhance vocational education, improve trainer capacity, and support the delivery of industry-relevant training aimed at better aligning skills development with economic priorities. This is especially pertinent to Sri Lanka, which is currently advancing reforms in its higher education and Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) sectors to promote workforce readiness and economic growth.
New Zealand High Commissioner to Sri Lanka, His Excellency David Pine, opened the event by reaffirming New Zealand’s commitment to strengthening bilateral education partnerships as a means to foster innovation, skills development, and economic prosperity. Participants engaged in expert presentations, roundtable discussions, and networking sessions, including insights from the Asian Development Bank on Sri Lanka’s evolving skills ecosystem and opportunities for international cooperation.
Adrian Hirst, ENZ’s Regional Director for India and South Asia, emphasized the importance of integrating classroom learning with workplace experience, stating that applied learning equips students with practical skills, confidence, and adaptability—qualities valued by employers. He also highlighted the role of industry in shaping future workforce needs and expressed optimism that the initiative would contribute to talent development, innovation, and mutual economic benefit.
The discussions identified multiple areas for collaboration, including institutional partnerships, knowledge exchange, co-designed program models, and joint efforts to enhance trainer capability. The event aims to foster scalable partnerships that deliver practical benefits for education providers, employers, and learners, thereby supporting long-term workforce development and expanding transnational education offerings.
Earlier in 2026, ENZ conducted the inaugural "Study with New Zealand Roadshow" in Sri Lanka, underscoring the ongoing efforts to deepen the educational relationship between the two countries. By combining New Zealand’s expertise in applied learning with Sri Lanka’s education reform agenda, both countries seek to create innovative partnerships that contribute to economic transformation and improved graduate employability.
Education New Zealand Manapou ki te Ao, the government agency hosting the event, promotes New Zealand as a quality education destination worldwide and works closely with various education providers and government entities to foster sustainable growth in international education. The success of the Applied Learning and Industry Connect event represents a significant milestone in the expanding collaboration between New Zealand and Sri Lanka in education and skills development.