The Vocational Training Authority of Sri Lanka (VTA) was established on 16th August 1995 under the provisions of the Vocational Training Authority of Sri Lanka Act No.12 of 1995 with the Vision of To be the most dynamic and innovative vocational training provider in Sri Lanka, catering to the global employment market. The VTA was established with the intent to provide skills for employment. The Manpower Division, the training arm of Labor Department which was running Technical and Vocational training programs in many parts of Sri Lanka, was converted to the newly constitute Vocational Training Authority (VTA) making vocational training more accessible to rural youth and depressed segments in the country. Their mission is to facilitate the fulfillment of the global skilled employment demand by developing competencies in individuals through modern methods and technologies in vocational training and education.

The key intention of the establishing the VTA was to reach the rural mass of the country which was 72% of the total population, and make them to be skillful to find employment opportunities both locally and internationally. The VTA's mission is to meet the Vocational training needs of Sri Lankans providing learning opportunities through excellent pre-employment training throughout the country. VTA is a statutory body, governed by a Chairman and the Board of Directors representing various ministries assigned specific subjects areas.

VTA Objectives

• Formulation and providing vocational training programs to youth and make them competent with various trades.
• Provide accessibility to youth by establishing vocational training centers in rural areas.
• Conduct trainer training programs to deliver the vocational training effectively and efficiently.
• Conduct competency based assessments / final assessments, issue National Vocational Qualification (NVQ) certificates and other certificates.
• Provide career guidance and counseling to school leavers and other youth.