CGTTI and SLGTI receive state-of-the-art German equipment donation from Stassen Group

• Initiative worth over Rs. 350 m to enhance industry-oriented vocational training 

Two German-supported vocational training institutions, Moratuwa-based Ceylon-German Technical Training Institute (CGTTI) and the Kilinochchi-based Sri Lanka-German Training Institute (SLGTI), established in 2015, received modern industrial training equipment through a grant worth up to Rs. 350 million. 

The donation of training equipment is a result of a partnership agreement between the Stassen Group and the Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ) GmbH, on behalf of the Federal Ministry of Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ) and illustrates the close social partnership between industry and TVET institutions. 

The training equipment designed for CGTTI was officially handed over by German Ambassador Jörn Rohde, together with Stassen Group Chairman Harry Jayawardena, to the CGTTI students on 22 May. 

German Ambassador to Sri Lanka and the Maldives Jörn Rohde said: “The equipment will effectively elevate Sri Lanka’s vocational training systems towards Industry 4.0. This donation comes at a crucial time since modern industry with its automated systems and assembly lines require highly skilled workers and a competitive workforce. 

“I am especially grateful to Stassen group Chairman Harry Jayawardena for donating state-of-the-art equipment, which will provide students and faculty with the necessary tools to receive the right skills for the demands of industry in our knowledge base societies. I also commend Mr. Jayawardena’s gesture as an exemplary contribution of a leading Sri Lankan business representative helping to upskill the country’s labour force.

“I am happy to announce that Germany will cooperate with Sri Lanka in funding another Vocational Training Centre in Matara. Currently the respective agreements are being prepared.” Harry Jayawardena stated that for him, “CGTTI in his view was the biggest gift Germany ever made to Sri Lanka. Even 50 years after its inception it is still the backbone of Sri Lanka’s vocational training Institutes.”

Industry 4.0, commonly referred to as the fourth industrial revolution is the current trend of using automation and data exchange in manufacturing technologies. The donated equipment provides modern media and new technology with original industry components to prepare trainees and students for control system and automation technology tasks they may have to carry out during their future professional work. New programmable logic controller (PLC training kits) and simulation software, and fabrication laboratories (fab labs) in specialised training rooms will upgrade and expand the skills of trainees and students while hands-on practical learning experience will enhance their employability. 

CGTTI (GermanTec) Director-Principal S.P.K. Amarasinghe said: “The donated equipment will greatly enhance training capacities for students in our key departments, such as mechatronics, automobile and innovation lab (laser cutting and 3D printing).”

– Pix by Lasantha Kumara