SLYG & Incubator Ecosystem
Where small enterprises grow, skills flourish, and futures are built.
The Building a Future Foundation created the Sea Leisure Yachting Group (SLYG) as a pioneering example of its “small companies incubator” model, a structure designed to nurture multiple interconnected enterprises that generate skills, jobs, and long-term opportunities for Sri Lankan youth. Through this approach, BAFF supports businesses such as sailing operations, marine services, and SME initiatives, each functioning as an independent arm while contributing to a shared ecosystem of training, employment, and community development. Together, these ventures demonstrate how BAFF transforms local potential into sustainable industries, strengthening both individuals and the national economy.
BAFF’s initial training center, located in Kabalana on the Southern coast of Sri Lanka, proposes theoretical and “on the job” training to underprivileged youth in areas which have a potential of economic development in the country. Up to today, more than four hundred young people benefitted from the multi-skills and boat building training programs.
Did you know?
The training covers several fields
Did you know?
All training programs include written and spoken English, marketing, small businesses management, basic bookkeeping, IT, internet, e-mail and administrative software.
and are aged between 18 and 22 years old.
and is divided in two periods of 6 months: Theoretical & practical classes and on the job training. A large majority, 95%, of the trainees succeed the examination and complete the training.
A new training center in the Northern part of Sri Lanka
The building A Future Foundation is currently developing a new training center in the Northern part of Sri Lanka (Poonakari). This project is supported by the King Baudouin Foundation of Belgium.
The Northern part of Sri Lanka is a region that was severely affected by the civil war from 1983 to 2009. The aim of this new project is to train 10 youths year 1, 10 youths year 2 and at term 30 Tamil youths per year and to provide them a sustainable employment with the development of the yachting industry in this remote and untapped region. The idea is to reproduce in the North the same successful model that the Building A Future Foundation has materialised on the Southern coast of the island with the creation of hundreds of employment for local youth in the yachting industry.
Today Building A Future is looking for donations to build the training center and to equip the workshops in Poonakari.
Training Programs
1. Multiskill Program (2 Years)
The Multiskill Program is designed to shape versatile, workforce-ready young professionals through a strong blend of theory and hands-on experience. Over the first 1.5 years, students follow a structured curriculum combining classroom learning with practical training across multiple technical disciplines. The final 6 months are fully dedicated to on-the-job training, where students work directly in the shared workshop of the Foundation and Polymar—gaining real industry exposure similar to a professional internship.
This pathway focuses on building broad competencies supported by essential subjects such as engineering, English and mathematics, helping students develop both technical and life skills. Upon completion, graduates earn an NVQ Level 4 state diploma.
2. Boat Building / Manufacturing Program (1 Year)
This program offers a focused entry into the marine manufacturing industry. Students begin with 6 months of theory and practical classes, learning foundational techniques, materials, and processes involved in modern boat building. They then transition into a 6-month on-the-job training phase, where they apply their skills in a real workshop environment alongside experienced professionals.
Like all BAFF pathways, the program includes essential subjects—engineering, English and mathematics—to support well-rounded personal and professional growth. Successful students graduate with an NVQ Level 4 state diploma, ready to begin a career in the marine sector or pursue further specialization.
Partnership with NAITA
BAFF established a cooperation with a public body locally recognized: The National Apprentice and Industrial Training Authority (NAITA) acting under the Tertiary and Vocational Education Commission of Sri Lanka.
BAFF and NAITA jointly promote employment opportunities for apprentices who succeeded NAITA and BAFF’s vocational training programs. Following the examination, the trainee gets a valid trade certificate from NAITA.
Benefits for the students
The training is free. The student receives a monthly allowances, breakfast and money to buy a lunch packet every day. BAF Foundation also provides all the uniforms, safety equipment’s and raw materials for construction. The trainees also have access to showers, a canteen and a library.