DIMO
FROM SKILLS TO SOCIOECONOMIC CHANGE
Vocational training plays a critical role in shaping socioeconomic development by equipping youth with practical skills that align with the evolving demands of the economy. In this exclusive interview, Executive Director and Chief Human Resources Officer Dilrukshi Kurukulasuriya – who also spearheads the company’s education arm – offers insights into how vocational education not only addresses the country’s workforce gaps but also helps reshape the future of Sri Lanka.
Q: How does vocational education contribute to the economic development of Sri Lanka?
A: Vocational education is one of the most direct, meaningful ways to drive economic development in a country like ours. It bridges the gap between potential and opportunity – especially for youth who may not follow traditional academic paths but have the talent, drive and passion to succeed.
At DIMO, we see this every day. When young people are equipped with practical, in demand skills – whether in motor technology, electrical work, building management systems or mechatronics – they don’t merely find jobs… they create value, build careers, support families, launch businesses and uplift entire communities.
Vocational training fuels multiple layers of the economy. It meets the rising demand for skilled labour, reduces unemployment and even curbs the need for foreign labour. It also empowers self-employment and entrepreneurship, a vital growth engine for small and medium-sized enterprises in Sri Lanka.
But beyond economics, vocational education provides something deeply personal: dignity and confidence. It tells a young person: ‘You matter. You’re skilled. You can build your future.’
That’s the type of empowerment that transforms a nation – not overnight, but in real, lasting ways. If we want an inclusive, resilient economy, we must treat vocational education not as an alternative but a national priority.
Q: What is the current perception of vocational education among youth, parents and society at large? How has this evolved over time?
A: For many years, vocational education was seen as a backup option, something students chose only if they couldn’t get into a university. Parents often believed that only academic paths led to success while vocational training was linked to low status or low paying jobs.
As a result, young people were rarely encouraged to take up vocational training and schools didn’t talk about it much either. Thankfully, this mindset is starting to change.
Today, more young people are realising the value of learning practical, hands-on skills that can lead to fulfilling careers. Vocational training institutes now offer high quality courses in areas such as technology, mechanics, construction and IT – skills that are in demand in both local and global job markets.
Many young people trained through these institutes are finding stable careers or even starting their own businesses. With support from the government and especially the private sector, vocational training is becoming more modern, respected and aligned with industry needs.
Slowly but surely, families and societies are beginning to see it as a smart and meaningful path – one that builds confidence, independence and real economic opportunity.
Q: As a longstanding player in the vocational education space through the DIMO Academy for Technical Skills (DATS), how has DIMO contributed to shifting societal perceptions and enhancing the value placed on vocational training? Additionally, what measures can be taken at the national level to further support this transformation?
A: DATS has been a game changer in how vocational education is viewed in Sri Lanka. For years, hands-on skills were seen as second tier – a path taken only when academic doors closed.
DATS has helped change that mindset by delivering world-class training in fields such as motor technology and building management, backed by international standards and real career outcomes.
What sets DATS apart is its ability to build not just skilled workers but confident, capable individuals who are respected in the job market. Many DATS graduates now work in major local and global companies or have become entrepreneurs, proving that vocational training isn’t a fallback and it’s a fast track to success.
To shift societal perceptions nationwide, Sri Lanka needs to take bold steps. We must start early by promoting vocational training in schools, building strong partnerships between training institutes and industries, modernising curricula and running national awareness campaigns that demonstrate the real value of skilled trades.
When we invest in vocational education, we give our youth a chance to build meaningful careers, uplift their families and contribute to the economy. It’s time we treat skills as a strength – not a second choice.
Q: Given DIMO’s experience and leadership in this field, how can Sri Lanka better identify high-potential areas within the vocational education sphere, and what is DIMO’s approach to exploring and investing in these emerging areas?
A: The vocational education sector holds immense untapped potential. But to unlock it, we need to focus on skills that truly matter in today’s world. At DIMO, we’ve seen first-hand how life-changing it can be when young people are trained in areas where real demand exists.
We don’t simply assume where the world is going – we listen to our industry partners, monitor global trends and invest in emerging fields. That’s how we’ve introduced training in future forward areas such as automotive mechatronics, building management technology and sustainable mobility. These are real career paths offering dignity, growth and purpose.
To scale this impact across the country, Sri Lanka needs a collaborative approach where government, industry and training institutes come together to identify high growth sectors. Think electric vehicles (EVs), green energy and smart infrastructure – let’s invest in those.
Q: How does DIMO leverage its vocational education platform to foster entrepreneurship and support self-employment among youth?
A: DIMO always believed that vocational education should do more than prepare youth for employment. It should also open doors to entrepreneurship and self-reliance. Through DATS, we don’t only teach technical skills; we help young people discover their potential to create, innovate and lead.
Many of our students come from humble backgrounds. What they need isn’t simply a job – it’s a chance to build something of their own. That’s why we integrate soft skills, business fundamentals and problem solving into our training.
We also expose them to real world industry environments, giving them the confidence to step out on their own – whether that’s starting up a garage, running a repair shop or offering specialised services.
What inspires me the most is seeing our alumni become job creators, not merely job seekers. We’ve seen young people who once doubted their worth now running their own businesses, supporting their families and even mentoring others.
When done right, vocational training offers hope. And at DIMO, we’re proud to nurture that spark of independence, which transforms lives, fuelling the dreams and aspirations of communities.
Q: How does DIMO envision the future of vocational education in Sri Lanka and what strategic role will DATS play in shaping that future?
A: Looking ahead, we envision a future where vocational education stands shoulder-to-shoulder with academic pathways – respected, modern and driven by industry needs. Through DATS, we will continue to lead this transformation by delivering globally aligned training, embracing emerging technologies such as EVs and smart infrastructure, and nurturing entrepreneurship.
Our goal is to build a talent pipeline that’s not merely skilled but future ready, capable of driving Sri Lanka’s growth from the ground up.
DATS will remain a catalyst – not simply producing workers but shaping confident individuals who power industries, uplift communities and redefine success.
– Compiled by Yamini Sequeira
COMPANY DETAILS
Email: dats@dimolanka.com
