Wednesday Oct 22, 2025
Wednesday Oct 22, 2025
Saturday, 18 October 2025 09:16 - - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}
The Sri Lanka Automotive Component Manufacturers Association (SLACMA) played a prominent role in the national Skills Expo 2025, held on October 10-11 at the Temple Trees premises. The event brought together industry leaders and educational institutions to address youth employment challenges and develop a skilled, future-ready workforce for the nation.
The Industry Pavilion, a cornerstone initiative organized by the Ministry of Industry and Entrepreneurship Development, was established to address key industrial challenges and drive a transformative plan for the sector. The Ministry’s continued support and strategic vision were instrumental in creating this vital platform.
The event gained significant momentum with Prime Minister Harini Amarasuriya's visit to the SLACMA stall. During her interaction with SLACMA representatives, the Prime Minister emphasized the importance of guiding students toward high-value careers in advanced manufacturing sectors that align with Sri Lanka's economic priorities. Her endorsement underscored the government's recognition of the automotive component manufacturing industry's vital role in national development, particularly as the sector has already generated over 22,000 direct and indirect jobs through vehicle assembly and component manufacturing operations.
Throughout the two-day exhibition, SLACMA engaged directly with more than 5,000 students, graduates, and job seekers. The association showcased advanced manufacturing technologies and precision engineering processes, giving visitors
valuable insights into the sophisticated nature of modern automotive component manufacturing. Representatives from SLACMA member companies provided firsthand knowledge about diverse career paths, including precision machining, tool-and-die
making, automation technology, and quality engineering. The exhibition demonstrated how these specialized skills contribute to an industry that generates approximately USD 800 million in annual exports, positioning Sri Lanka as an emerging force in the global
automotive supply chain.
The exhibition space successfully facilitated meaningful connections between aspiring professionals and industry leaders, creating clear pathways for entry into a sector that continues to show robust growth potential. Visitors gained a comprehensive
understanding of the industry's technological advancements and its critical position in global supply chains, learning how their career choices could contribute to both personal professional development and national economic progress.
By actively engaging with the next generation of talent, SLACMA continues to fuel the growth of its member companies while supporting the national vision of a skilled, innovation-driven Sri Lankan economy. The association remains committed to
developing a robust workforce that can meet the evolving demands of the global automotive industry and build upon the solid foundation of export success and employment generation that has already been established.
