Dr Sarath obeysekera 

During a recent meeting held by the president, he mentioned the need for developing more comprehensive  vocational Training in Sri Lanka

We need to seriously discuss and implement the following plan

The state of welding training and employment opportunities for welders from Sri Lanka 

We  are discussing the state of welding training and employment opportunities for welders from Sri Lanka 

1. numerous training centers in Sri Lanka offer basic welding instruction to young individuals, typically those under 25 years old with at least a GCE O level education. These centers include the Ceylon German Technical Training Institute, Mahapola Ports and Marine Academy, and many others.

2. The training provided by these institutions is often basic and lacks in-depth theoretical knowledge and communication skills. This can result in graduates being ill-prepared for high-quality welding positions, particularly in international contexts.

3. Sri Lankan welders often seek employment abroad in countries such as South Korea, Romania, Singapore, and various Middle Eastern nations. However, the lack of advanced training can limit their job opportunities to lower-skilled positions.

4. Some Sri Lankan welders with more extensive training and experience, such as those from the Ports Authority and Colombo Dockyard, are able to secure better-paying jobs, particularly in the shipbuilding sector.

5. Recruitment agencies in Sri Lanka play a role in qualifying welders and facilitating their employment abroad. These agencies are accredited by a testing agency recognized by the Sri Lanka Bureau of Foreign Employment.

6. There is a significant demand for well-trained welders with strong skills, theoretical knowledge, and communication abilities. Such welders could potentially earn much higher salaries abroad – in the range of $4,000 to $6,000 per month, compared to the current range of $800 to $2,000 for those with lower levels of training.

7. To address this demand and improve employment opportunities for Sri Lankan welders, there is a need for more comprehensive training programs that go beyond basic welding skills and include advanced techniques, theoretical knowledge, and language skills.

It’s clear that there is an opportunity for Sri Lanka to improve its vocational training programs to better prepare welders for the global job market. This could significantly enhance their earning potential and contribute to the country’s economy by providing a more skilled workforce for international employment.

Dr Sarath obeysekera