After the Tsunami of 26th December 2004 Royal Agio Cigars took the initiative to start a vocational training center; AgioSirilakSahanaSewa Vocational Training Center (A.S.V.T.C.). This is a center where young people with no prospects from poor families living close to the disaster area, can be educated. As a result, they can contribute to the rebuilding and development of the country.

ASVTC is built on the ground of a Buddhist temple. The Buddhist priest in this area is very active and assists us wherever needed and also he was Chairman of the A.S.V.T.C. Mr. K.D.P. Kumara, nowadays, he is a capable principal who works with positive thinking and creative ideas.

The trainees are trained to become Plumbers, Air conditioning technicians, Welders, Electricians, Electronics technicians, and ICT technicians.There is also much attention to implementing their own personal development, and entrepreneurship.The training at the training center takes 12 months, except ICT Course. ICT Course is 06 months. After that there is a practical training of 06 months ending in the final assessment. If the trainees are competent then NVQ level 04 will be obtained after final assessment conducted by T.V.E.C. (Tertiary and Vocational Education Commission).

The vocational training courses in the A.S.V.T.C. are all described in terms of National Competency Standards. The purchase of the machines, tools, equipment, and training materials as described in the National Competency Standards. Training is conducted by qualified trainers. The A.S.V.T.C registered and accredited up NVQ Level 04, under the Tertiary and Vocational Education Commission.(T.V.E.C) Therefore, Hence, the trainees can obtain the NVQ 04 level certificate after the final assessment conducted by T.V.E.C. We continue to follow our trainees in their first job and guide them to follow NVQ Levels 05,06,07 and stimulate and support them when starting their own business. Therefore we have chosen from each trade a representative to develop an “old boy’s network” The Foundation Vocational Training Sri Lanka has been established in the Netherlands to encourage the continuity of the training. This foundation will set up funds for the benefit of extension and replacement of educational means. First of all business relations and Agio Cigars’ personnel will be approached, but also other sympathizers are most welcome to support our initiative.