Dr Sarath Obeysekera

Prepared by:

Dr. Sarath Obeysekera
Chairman – Advisory Board on Offshore and Marine Industry Development
Under the Export Development Board (EDB), 
IDMS welding school

Background

Sri Lanka’s shipbuilding, offshore fabrication, and heavy engineering industries face a growing shortage of certified welders meeting international standards (ASME, AWS, ISO 9606). Traditional welding training methods, while effective, are limited by high costs of consumables, workshop safety risks, and constrained training space.

Globally, virtual welding simulators are transforming welder training. They provide an immersive, interactive platform for trainees to practice welding techniques safely and repeatedly before moving to real hardware. Integrating such technology into the NVQ system can significantly enhance both efficiency and output of Sri Lanka’s vocational training centres.

Objective

To introduce and institutionalise Virtual Welding Simulation Technology as an entry-level and intermediate training tool within NVQ Levels 3–5 for welding and fabrication courses, thereby:

• Reducing training time and material costs

• Improving learner engagement, safety, and skill retention

• Producing globally employable welders for the offshore, marine, and industrial sectors

Virtual Welding Lab Setup	Installation of 2–4 VR welding simulators (Fronius, Soldamatic, or Lincoln) per center.
Trainer Upskilling	Intensive Train-the-Trainer” module on simulation technology and data-based performance feedback.
Hybrid Curriculum	30% simulation + 70% hardware training blended into existing NVQ Level 3–5 modules.
Digital Evaluation	Automatic performance scoring for travel speed, torch angle, arc length, and bead uniformity.
Industry Linkage	Partnerships with Colombo Dockyard, CINEC, and offshore engineering firms for practical

. Expected Outcomes

• 30% faster skill acquisition and 35% higher test pass rates

• 40% reduction in consumable cost and workshop power use

• Enhanced attraction of youth, including women trainees

• Standardized national-level performance tracking

• Readiness for employment in offshore, shipyard, and export fabrication projects

Partners & Support Requested

• TVEC / Ministry of Industries: Curriculum endorsement and NVQ integration

• EDB: Policy and funding facilitation under Blue Economy initiative

• Private Sector (Colombo Dockyard, Thanthri Marine Port Authority for Industry placement and sponsorship

• Donor/CSR Support: Equipment funding and trainer exchange programs

Conclusion

The integration of Virtual Welding Simulation into Sri Lanka’s vocational training ecosystem will modernize national skills development, reduce costs, and create a new generation of internationally employable welders aligned with the country’s Offshore Industry Development Strategy centered in Trincomalee and Colombo.

Regards

Dr Sarath Obeysekera