INDONESIA: In an effort to enhance workforce readiness among Sri Lanka’s young population, Leap Foundation and Cultus Education have entered into a formal partnership through the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU). The agreement outlines a joint initiative to design and deliver skill development programs focused on preparing youth for the changing landscape of work, particularly in high-demand sectors.
The collaboration seeks to offer structured, outcome-based training that combines both technical proficiencies and essential soft skills. These programs are intended to align closely with current industry standards and labor market demands, with the overarching goal of improving employability among young Sri Lankans, especially those from underserved communities.
Also Read: Spanish Olympic Committee Honors Emir Lahouari Benarba for Championing Olympic Values
The initiative leverages the respective strengths of both organizations. Leap Foundation, a Sri Lankan non-profit organization, brings experience in community engagement and a track record of social development initiatives aimed at youth empowerment. Cultus Education, a global skilling and education technology firm, contributes its digital platforms and curriculum frameworks developed through its operations in ASEAN and India.
“This collaboration reflects our shared commitment to unlock the full potential of Sri Lankan youth,” said Nalin Kumar Singh, Managing Director of Cultus Education and CEO of Orbit Future Academy. He emphasized the importance of integrating trusted local partnerships with global educational practices to support long-term employment outcomes.
Nishan Sembacuttiaratchy, CEO of Leap Foundation, stated that the partnership would act as a “catalyst for social mobility,” stressing the importance of equitable access to skills training regardless of a young person’s socioeconomic background. “Our goal is to give every youth—regardless of background—access to the skills that matter in today’s workforce,” he added.
Leap Foundation and Cultus Education Launch Pilot Programs to Tackle Youth Unemployment and Bridge Skills Gap
The joint programs will initially be piloted in selected regions, with an eye toward broader national expansion. According to both organizations, this phased rollout will allow for monitoring of outcomes and refinement of curriculum and delivery mechanisms before scaling up. Key features of the program include digital learning modules, sector-specific training, and job-readiness workshops. There will also be a focus on entrepreneurship to accommodate those seeking alternative career paths outside traditional employment.
The collaboration comes at a time when Sri Lanka is facing ongoing challenges in youth unemployment and underemployment. According to the Department of Census and Statistics, youth unemployment has remained high, particularly among those aged 15 to 24. Experts have pointed to a gap between academic qualifications and the practical skills required by employers as a major contributing factor.
While neither organization disclosed the specific funding or duration of the MoU, both affirmed their intention to monitor and report on the impact of the initiative. They also noted that partnerships with local institutions and private-sector stakeholders would be crucial to the long-term viability and reach of the program.
Cultus Education’s broader mission includes connecting learners to actual job opportunities by bridging the divide between education and employment. Its approach focuses on building future-ready competencies through a digital-first, job-matching platform. Leap Foundation, on the other hand, operates through a grassroots model that prioritizes inclusive access to education, leadership development, and community-based innovation.
This joint effort reflects a broader trend in the education sector, where public-private partnerships are being increasingly adopted to address structural workforce challenges in developing countries. The success of such initiatives often depends on consistent evaluation, adaptability to regional needs, and sustained investment.
As Sri Lanka continues to navigate economic and social transformations, initiatives like this partnership may serve as a model for leveraging technology and local engagement to create meaningful opportunities for its youth.
Also Read: Dairy Australia Appoints Dr. Matthew Shaffer as New CEO Amid Strategic Transition
