The Australian government has come forward to grant financial assistance to promote skills of the tourism sector. Accordingly a skill development programme was launched at the Australian High Commission in Colombo yesterday. A sum of 1.06 billion rupees will be granted for this four years programme.

Accordingly guidance will be provided to employees in the tourism sector to enhance their skills and counseling for starting micro businesses. Addressing the gathering Australian High Commissioner Briaz Hachison said many challenges in the tourism sector can be overcome by upgrading vocational skills.

Minister Mahinda Samarasinghe also spoke at the occasion.