The National Apprentice and Industrial Training Authority (NAITA) has partnered with Holcim Lanka for the launch of ‘Nipunatha Abisheka’, a special social welfare programme to produce 500 certified construction professionals through the granting of a National Vocational Qualification (NVQ). 

The programme which is being held for the very first time would provide 500 selected construction professionals the opportunity to sharpen their skills through the ‘Nipunatha Abhisheka’ programme. Construction professionals would assess in areas such as brick work, plastering, plaster decoration, floor tiling, floor cementing, stone laying and safety policies for masonry and construction. 

On the completion of the assessment, the construction professionals would be awarded for successfully finishing the programme while also receiving recognition as certified construction professionals. In addition, their families would also receive the opportunity to witness their work during the assessment. 

The initiative which is due to begin on August 11, 2014 would be conducted under the guidance of the Ministry of Skill Development and Youth Affairs, in collaboration with the North Western Provincial Council at the Kurunegala Maligapitiya Stadium. Assessments would be conducted in 65 special training establishments within the Kurunegala Maligapitiya Stadium. The programme would be regulated by 60 experienced supervisors. 

The Minister of Skill Development and Youth Affairs Hon. Dullas Alahapperuma stated, “It is an opportune time to promote and develop areas of specialisation in areas such as construction in Sri Lanka in order to further develop their talent and to uplifts their living standards. It is also an opportunity for us to contribute to the development in Sri Lanka by developing such specialised fields and we have identified the areas that need to be further developed.  I extend my heartfelt gratitude to the Chairman and the staff of NAITA for their tremendous effort. I am also grateful to Holcim Lanka for their contribution as well without whom this project could not have materialised and play the role of a responsible corporate citizen.” 

NAITA Chairman Mr. Chandana Arunadewa shared his views on the occasion as well. “Vocational training is a key factor for steady growth in the country. Therefore, we have dedicated ourselves to our corporate objectives of appraising their existing knowledge and offer them a certification. I’m happy to mention the immense support we received from the Honourable Minister of Skill Development and Youth Affairs as well as from the ministry.  Also, Holcim Lanka has made a significant contribute towards this project. With their support we have been empowered to successfully launch this project today. We extend our deepest gratitude and respect to them. I sincerely believe that the certified professionals that we create through this programme would revolutionise the construction industry in Sri Lanka,” Arunadewa commented. 

The Holcim Lanka Vice President of Sustainable Development & External Affairs, Mr. Asela Iddawela stated, “Professional competency is a necessity to create new trends in the local construction industry and to face any challenge. We are a company that works very closely with construction professionals and masons and their professional growth is important to us.

Our vision is to take them forward and transform them into industry experts. We intend to produce 5000 certified construction professionals through vocational skills training by end 2016. In this view, Holcim together with NAITA has already granted 1800 certifications to Masons in the North and East. Moreover, we have launched a programme called ‘Concrete Society’ for construction professionals to further empower them with knowledge.  I’m thankful to the National Apprentice & Industrial Training Authority for providing us the opportunity to be part of this valuable and successful programme. I also take this opportunity to thank the honourable minister as well. Through such initiatives the construction industry in the country has strong potential to flourish significantly."

Photo caption: (From left) NAITA Vice Chairman - Lesley Weeramantri; Human Resource Development Authority Chairman – Roy Jayasinghe; Holcim Lanka Vice President of Sustainable Development & External Affairs - Asela Iddawela; Minister of Skill Development and Youth Affairs - Hon. Dullas Alahapperuma; NAITA Chairman - Chandana Arunadewa and Holcim Lanka Marketing Manager - Channel Development and Influencer Programme - Dinesh Hamangoda