BY RANDIMA ATTYGALLE

Three Lankan participants, representing the University of Vocational Technology (Univotec) and Ceylon German Technical Training Institute (CGTTI) shone at the Second Belt and Road International Skills Competition which was held in Chongqing, China from June 24 to 26. The event which was themed ‘Skills Cooperation for Common Development’ featured 18 skill categories.

Competing with contestants from 62 countries, Rasheedha Fathima Hassan, Hasith Deshan Liyanage, (both undergraduates from Univotec) and Nuwan Tharaka Bandara from CGTTI who made it to the final round, were placed second (silver medal), seventh and fourth respectively. Demonstrating exceptional skill and creativity in the ‘Internet Marketing’ category, Rasheedha clinched the silver medal out of the eight participants who made it to the final round.

While Rasheedha’s innovative strategies and in-depth understanding of digital marketing trends secured her the silver medal, her colleague Hasith who competed under ‘Industrial Robot System Operations’ category received a commendation certification in the competition. CGTTI’s representative, Nuwan Bandara’s technical proficiency and problem-solving skills demonstrated in the ‘Automotive Technology’ (new energy) category, earned him an Award of Excellence.

Sri Lankan delegation led by Vice Chancellor of Univotec, Prof. Mahesh Edirisinghe, also included subject experts- Dilshan Ganegoda, Senior Lecturer and Head of Department of Electro Mechanical Technology, Univotec and Namal Edirisinghe from CGTTI who served in the panel of judges at the competition and Deputy Director General, Tertiary and Vocational Education Commission (TVEC), Dr. Janaka Jayalath.

“Many countries hold their individual skills competitions as means of benchmarking themselves with the World Skills International Competition. What was held in China is one such event. The exposure at this event, which was the first of its kind for our participants, enabled them to benchmark their skills with international standards. Events of this nature also help to promote local skills,” remarked TVEC’s Deputy Director General, Dr. Janaka Jayalath.

The demand for skills development is evident by the number of applications institutes such as CGTTI receives every year. “While there are around 650 vacancies each year, CGTTI receives around 8,000 applications which best manifests the demand for skill enhancement,” says Dr. Jayalath. TVEC has already prepared a concept paper to set up a special unit for the World Skills Competition which will be affiliated to TVEC. This year’s World Skills International Competition will be held in Lyon, France in September. “We hope to send a Lankan delegation for the next World Skills International Competition and the recognition received in China will definitely be a bonus,” Dr. Jayalath said.

The inclusion of two Sri Lankans in the judging panel is an indicator to the country’s growing prominence in the global skills arena, maintains Univotec’s VC, Prof. Mahesh Edirisinghe. “We are extremely proud of our three participants, all under the age of 30 who yet again proved that our skills are second to none in the world. They had the best GPA in their respective fields, which qualified them for this event,” he said.

For all three participants, their first ever overseas trip had been a fulfilling one. Rasheedha from Tissamaharama says that her confidence levels have enhanced after this visit. Hasith Liyanage from Kelaniya finds the experience having a profound impact on both his personal and professional life. Nuwan Bandara from Kegalle says the event was an excellent opportunity to benchmark local skills with international standards. All three competitors are thankful to their learning institutions and mentors for launching them on the international stage.

Dilshan Ganegoda and Namal Edirisinghe who served in the panel of judges at the competition acknowledge the experience to be a great learning curve as well.