2025 finds Sri Lanka at a critical point in its journey of recovery and growth. The nation’s youth hold the key to driving innovation, resilience, and progress, shaping a brighter and more inclusive future.
The Hayleys Group has been dedicated to empowering youth through its social impact initiatives, across fashion, agriculture, manufacturing, and hospitality, equipping them with skills, confidence, and opportunity.
Singer Fashion Academy: Weaving Dreams into Reality
For over six decades, the Singer Fashion Academy has transformed the lives of thousands of Sri Lankan youth by equipping them with skills in sewing, design, and fashion technology.
“With 53 centres accredited by tertiary and vocational education commission (TVEC) islandwide, the academy offers cost-effective courses ranging from scientific dressmaking to advanced diplomas in fashion design catering to more than 5,400 students annually,” says Mahesh Wijewardene, Managing Director of Singer Sri Lanka PLC.
“In addition to fostering entrepreneurship and individual growth, global collaborations such as university partnerships and accreditation by the UK’s Chartered Society of Designers have opened international pathways for aspiring designers. We also celebrate the creative brilliance of our graduates through the Singer Fashion Academy Awards honouring students who complete a variety of programmes including the Certificate or Diploma in Fashion Designing, Machine Embroidery, and Scientific Dressmaking.”
The story of Shashika Rathnayake exemplifies this transformative journey. What began as a casual visit to a Singer showroom evolved into a passion for sewing. Guided by the academy’s comprehensive training, Shashika transitioned from basic dressmaking to specialising in bridal wear. Today, she is part of a vibrant network of successful alumni.
Cultivating Skills for a Sustainable Future
Hayleys is redefining agriculture by equipping youth with sustainable practices and modern technologies through the Hayleys Agriculture Training School (HATS). Catering to a diverse audience including O/L and A/L students, undergraduates, entrepreneurs and teachers, HATS extends its reach through webinars and other platforms. Collaborations with the National Institute of Education have resulted in free agricultural educational videos on YouTube, broadening accessibility.
“Agriculture faces a significant challenge with labour shortages as younger generations increasingly pursue alternative careers,” says Jayanthi Dharmasena, Managing Director of Hayleys Agriculture Holdings Limited. “At HATS, we are addressing this by providing hands-on training, modern techniques and showcasing opportunities, working to bring youth back into agriculture. We aim to reignite interest in agriculture as a rewarding career by equipping the next generation with the skills to thrive in a changing landscape.”
“In the plantations sector, Hayleys has fostered a strong commitment to social sustainability through strategic community empowerment programmes. These initiatives focus on equipping individuals and families with the skills and resources needed for long-term growth and resilience,” says Dr. Roshan Rajadurai, Managing Director of the Hayleys Plantations Sector.
Programmes range from small business management and vocational skills training to home gardening support and youth entrepreneurship guidance. Education and youth development are key priorities with English language training, digital literacy and vocational programmes fostering a multi-skilled workforce
Alumex PLC is a catalyst for skill development in the country’s aluminum industry through multi-faceted training initiatives targeting fabricators, technicians, and students.
“Since 1998, over 30,000 professionals have been trained to meet aluminum industry demands. Fabricator training programs offer technical insights into aluminum extrusion processes and its new developments, fostering job readiness among students and professionals,” says Pramuk Dediwala, Managing Director of Alumex PLC.
The Hayleys Leisure Training Academy empowers underprivileged youth with hospitality skills, enabling them to thrive in Sri Lanka’s growing tourism sector. “Addressing the labour shortage in the industry, the academy offers comprehensive training to individuals from disadvantaged communities, fostering employability and socio-economic upliftment. With 75+ graduates over two years, the programme supports careers in Hayleys’ hotels and the tourism sector.” says Rohan Karr, Managing Director of Hayleys Leisure PLC.
A Blueprint for Inclusive Social Impact
These initiatives reflect Hayleys’ commitment to equipping youth with skills to succeed. Rooted in social equality and inclusivity, the programmes offer hands-on training to enhance employability and enable meaningful contributions to society and in generating value for the economy.
Milinda Hewagama, Group CFO and Head of ESG at Hayleys, states, “Youth empowerment is key to building a resilient, inclusive society and is central to the nation’s economic resurgence. Our programmes, aligned with the ESG aspirations we have articulated in the Hayleys Lifecode, provide opportunities for young people to work with a responsible corporate focused on addressing future economic, social and environmental challenges.
“By creating opportunities that bridge education and the job market, we ensure young people gain the practical skills needed for today’s workforce. Empowering youth creates a more equitable future for everyone.”
