Prime Minister Dr. Harini Amarasuriya has underscored the critical importance of investing in professional education as a cornerstone for institutional strength and national development. Speaking at the official launch of the QS-accredited Chartered Qualification in Human Resource Management (CQHRM), the Prime Minister emphasized that strengthening Sri Lanka's professional education framework is essential for building a skilled, ethical, and globally competitive workforce.
Strategic Vision for Professional Education
The Prime Minister's remarks highlight a comprehensive approach to educational development that extends beyond traditional academic boundaries. By focusing on professional qualifications that meet international standards, Sri Lanka aims to position itself as a hub for skilled professionals in the region. This strategic vision recognizes that in today's interconnected global economy, countries must invest in human capital development to remain competitive and attract foreign investment.
Dr. Amarasuriya's emphasis on aligning Sri Lanka's professional education with internationally recognized standards reflects a forward-thinking approach to workforce development. This alignment ensures that Sri Lankan professionals can compete effectively in global markets while contributing meaningfully to domestic economic growth and institutional strengthening.
Building Institutional Capacity Through Education
The launch of the QS-accredited CQHRM represents more than just another educational program—it symbolizes a commitment to institutional excellence and professional standards. Quality assurance in education, particularly through internationally recognized accreditation bodies like QS, ensures that educational programs meet rigorous standards and produce graduates capable of driving organizational and national progress.
Professional education programs like the CQHRM play a crucial role in developing the human resource management capabilities that organizations need to thrive. By investing in such programs, Sri Lanka is building the foundational expertise required for effective governance, efficient private sector operations, and sustainable economic development.
Economic Impact of Professional Education Investment
The Prime Minister's statement reflects a deep understanding of the economic multiplier effects of educational investment. When countries invest in professional education, they create a skilled workforce that attracts higher-value industries, increases productivity, and drives innovation. This approach has proven successful in numerous developing economies that have transformed themselves into middle-income and high-income nations through strategic human capital development.
Professional qualifications in areas such as human resource management are particularly valuable because they improve organizational efficiency across all sectors of the economy. Well-trained HR professionals contribute to better workplace practices, improved employee satisfaction, enhanced productivity, and more effective talent management—all factors that directly impact economic competitiveness.
Global Competitiveness Through Standards Alignment
By emphasizing alignment with international standards, the Prime Minister acknowledges the reality of global labor mobility and the need for Sri Lankan professionals to be recognized worldwide. This approach serves multiple purposes: it enhances the employability of Sri Lankan graduates internationally, attracts foreign students to Sri Lankan institutions, and builds confidence among international employers and investors in Sri Lankan professional capabilities.
The QS accreditation system provides a globally recognized benchmark for educational quality, ensuring that programs meet international standards for curriculum content, delivery methods, and assessment practices. This recognition is invaluable for professionals seeking to advance their careers both domestically and internationally.
Ethical Foundation for Professional Practice
The Prime Minister's reference to building an "ethical" workforce highlights an often-overlooked aspect of professional education. Beyond technical skills and knowledge, professional education programs must instill strong ethical foundations that guide decision-making and professional conduct. This emphasis on ethics is particularly important for roles like human resource management, where professionals regularly handle sensitive information and make decisions that significantly impact employees' lives and organizational culture.
Ethical professional practice contributes to institutional strength by building trust, reducing corruption, improving governance standards, and creating sustainable business practices. These factors are essential for long-term national progress and international reputation building.
Implementation and Future Prospects
The successful launch of the QS-accredited CQHRM program sets a precedent for expanding similar initiatives across other professional disciplines. This could include areas such as project management, financial planning, digital marketing, and other fields critical to modern economic development.
The government's commitment to professional education investment signals to both domestic and international stakeholders that Sri Lanka is serious about human capital development. This commitment can attract partnerships with international educational institutions, professional bodies, and multinational corporations seeking skilled talent.
Conclusion
Prime Minister Dr. Harini Amarasuriya's statement reflects a sophisticated understanding of the relationship between educational investment and national development. By prioritizing professional education that meets international standards, Sri Lanka is positioning itself for sustainable economic growth, improved institutional capacity, and enhanced global competitiveness. The launch of the QS-accredited CQHRM program represents a concrete step toward realizing this vision, demonstrating that investments in professional education are indeed investments in the nation's future strength and progress.