About Us

Vision

To be the Nation’s Pioneer in Customer Centric Education and Human Resource Competency Enhancement.

Mission

Deliver inclusive, relevant, and cost-effective training aligned to national goals.

Core Values

  • Customer Centricity
  • Innovation
  • Inclusivity
  • Accountability
  • Sustainability

Establishment of the Organization

The Skills Development Fund Limited (SDFL) was first established in 1998 as a pilot project on a recommendation by the Presidential Task Force on Technical Education and Vocational Training. During this pilot phase the Fund was sponsored by the ILO and the UNDP.

On 20th August 1999, the SDFL was incorporated as a limited liability company under the Companies Act No 17 of 1982, bearing registration number N (PBS) 832.

The cabinet approved an investment of Rs.100 million in September 1999 in ordinary shares in the company which was invested in secure investment by the SDFL. It was suggested that the income caused from this investment and from the operations of the company would be sufficient to meet the recurrent expenditure. This arrangement was to ensure that the SDFL will be self-sustaining and also the initial investment of the government, Employers Federation of Ceylon and other investors is safeguarded.

The SDFL was re-registered under the new Companies Act No.07 of 2007 bearing Registration No. PB 833.

Objectives

According to the Articles of the Association, SDFL has been established for the six main objectives:

  • Implement diverse promotional initiatives while funding and organizing job-entry training and skills development programs, offered either free of charge or at a subsidized fee.
  • Cultivate a skilled and motivated workforce by supporting vocational training and entrepreneurship development programs.
  • Strengthen alignment with labor market needs by facilitating partnerships and collaboration between the public and private sectors.
  • Provide financial assistance, scholarships, and resources to trainees, enabling skill development that meets both local and global economic demands.
  • Conduct research, provide funding, and maintain a comprehensive database on vocational training, workforce trends, and human resource development, ensuring timely publication and accessibility.
  • Promote international vocational training opportunities and offer consulting services for evaluating human resource capacity and productivity.