The Asian Development Bank has approved a US$100 million results-based loan to support reforms to Sri Lanka's technical and vocational education and training system.
ADB announced the approval on September 29, with its Sri Lanka release published on September 30.
The financing therefore was not approved on October 2, although the announcement received wider Sri Lankan coverage this week.
The Skills Development System Transformation Program is intended to improve the quality and relevance of vocational training, strengthen links between training providers and industries and expand employment opportunities for young people.
ADB says the programme will also seek to improve women's access to non-traditional occupations, including engineering, information and communications technology, construction, automotive technology and renewable energy.
The nationwide programme is planned for implementation from 2027 to 2031.
According to ADB, more than 100,000 young people are expected to benefit directly through improved access to employment-oriented training.
The programme also includes expanded career guidance for secondary-school students, capacity building for teachers and stronger coordination between schools and training institutions.
The US$100 million represents approved financing for a reform programme.
It does not mean that more than 100,000 people have already received training or that the anticipated employment outcomes have already been achieved.
Those are intended programme results that will need to be assessed as implementation proceeds.