US-based technology behemoth Microsoft said it helped over 30 million people in 249 countries and territories gain access to digital skills during the COVID-19 pandemic, of which over 30,000 of them are from Sri Lanka.

This tops its initial goal of 25 million last June. Microsoft Corp. is also extending its commitment to help 250,000 companies globally make a skills-based hire in 2021.

“Sri Lanka’s economic growth and competitiveness will require the development of new digital skills, among a substantial part of the workforce,” said Microsoft Sri Lanka Country Manager Hasitha Abeywardena.

“One of the biggest challenges we face today is to educate our future workers to fit into a fast changing, technology-driven, world of work. Together with LinkedIn, we are doubling our efforts to re-design work in the country by supporting the development of a more inclusive skills-based labor market. By creating more alternatives, greater flexibility, and accessible learning paths will connect people readily, with new job opportunities.”

technology-driven, world of work. Together with LinkedIn, we are doubling our efforts to re-design work in the country by supporting the development of a more inclusive skills-based labor market. By creating more alternatives, greater flexibility, and accessible learning paths will connect people readily, with new job opportunities.”