From left: YouLead Partnerships Manager Sharada Weerwardana, YouLead Partnerships Director Vindya Silva, YouLead Project Director Charles Conconi, Maga Chairman and Managing Director M. G. Kularatne, Maga Director of Finance and Planning Mega Kularatne

Maga Engineering and the U. S. Agency for International Development’s (USAID) youth employment and business startup project – YouLead, have cemented their partnership under a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to work towards better outcomes and opportunities for Sri Lankan youth. 

Maga and YouLead have worked together since September 2019, with a focus on skills development and creation of better employment opportunities for young people in the construction industry. 

Active through May 2024, the MoU was signed by MAGA Chairman and Managing Director M. G. Kularatne, and YouLead Project Director Charles Conconi.

Through a comprehensive Training of Trainers (ToT) programme organised by YouLead, over 60 specialised trainers of MAGA were empowered and upskilled to better train youth in the construction and engineering sector. Through continuous training and skills-building carried out at project sites across the island, these experienced training staff of MAGA have assisted more than 1,500 youth entering the construction industry to gain technical expertise and invaluable on-the-job experience. 

The two organisations will continue to collaborate in the design, development, and effective implementation of training programmes focused on the construction sector including technical training, project management skill-building, and supervisory skills development to support upskilling of youth across Sri Lanka.

Commenting on the signing of the MoU, Chairman and Managing Director of MAGA M. G. Kularatne said, “From inception, MAGA has believed in empowering and supporting Sri Lankan youth to gain employable skills that are essential to unlocking opportunities and building a better future for all. 

Therefore, we are proud to continue our partnership with USAID’s YouLead project in which we have found a like-minded partner to support, train, and create opportunities for young people. On behalf of the construction industry, we wish to thank the YouLead team for their initiative and contribution 
in this space”.