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Germany supporting Sri Lanka to keep up with latest technological developments in apparel sector

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The partnership between SLGTI, MAS and GIZ is a flagship example where the public sector, private sector and development partners come together

At present, Sri Lanka accounts for around 1% of the global market share of apparel exports, and Sri Lanka’s apparel sector is well positioned to reach the industry’s target of $8 billion in export earnings by 2025. With these targets in sight, Sri Lanka’s apparel sector will have very high demands for skilled technicians, especially in the area of mechatronics, where the industry is moving into advance factory automations.

In order to fulfill the demand of qualified workforce in the apparel sector, Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ) GmbH- Vocational Training in Sri Lanka project on behalf of the German Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ) partnered with Sri Lanka German Technical Institute (SLGTI) and MAS Holdings (Pvt) Ltd to commence a NVQ Level 5 Autonomation technician course to provide advanced theoretical and practical hands-on training for youth to work with the latest state-of-the-art machinery.

Prior to the commencement of the training, a Training of Trainer (ToT) course was conducted for in-company trainers at MAS in order to prepare and structure the two year training programme. In-company trainers who successfully completed the training received their certificates at the MAS Intimates facility in Ratmalana.

Speaking at the certificate awarding ceremony, Chairman of the SLGTI and CGTTI Vinod Moonesinghe said, “So far we have followed the practices from 19th century training in technical field work. It has always been a question of people going into technical colleges, theoretical learning, learning from the practice and then being thrown into the industry. Recently we have found out that this model lacks a lot. We are taking off to an entirely new trajectory as far as training is concerned. We need to train people specifically for the jobs that they will be doing in the industry. Then only we can address the job market as well as bring best overall results of the trainings”, Mr Moonesinghe said.

Head of Project, Vocational Training in Sri Lanka Project (VTSL), Mathis Hemberger said, “The philosophy of German engagement has always been to foster cooperative training where not just training institutes in the TVET sector produce the right skills, but private sector and TVET institutes jointly take the responsibility and add value. This partnership that exists between SLGTI, MAS and GIZ is a flagship example where public sector, private sector and development partners come together, join forces and create something that really has added value”.

The cooperative training approach based on the German dual system combines the advantages of two training modes (theory and industrial on-the-job training (OJT) in an integrated and coordinated process, with emphasis on the practical skills required at the shop floor. In such type of training, MAS as the industry partner and SLGTI as the public partner will share their expertise, facilities, and other specialized resources and establish a linkage between vocational training and industry.

Director-Innovation, MAS Intimates, Dr Chandika Wickramatillake said, “There’s a huge demand in MAS. We are looking to move from traditional apparel manufacturing to smart technologically advanced apparel manufacturing. We have very experienced mechanics and during the last five years, we have invested a lot in engineers. However, we have observed that there’s still a gap between mechanics and engineers, creating a need for technicians. This is a perfect time because we are looking at strengthening our staff capabilities at our factories. MAS is an international company having an ever growing global presence. These students who come from our villages will be exposed to latest technology and developments in apparel manufacturing and we need to support them. The trainers who received the certificates today have a big role to play in keeping up with technological developments, to learn and disseminate their learnings to these students. We find a lot of communication gaps because the students come from rural areas”, Dr Wickramatillake said.



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Janashakthi Life delivers 36% revenue growth, ‘outperforming the industry’

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Janashakthi Life, the flagship company of JXG (Janashakthi Group), delivered a strong first-half performance in 2026, with Gross Written Premiums (GWP) increasing by 36% year-on-year to Rs. 5.11 billion. The Company’s growth significantly outpaced the industry’s 20.8% growth during the period, reflecting continued demand for its life insurance solutions and progress in expanding its customer base and strengthening its market presence.

The Company’s balance sheet also continued to expand, with total assets increasing to Rs. 41.14 billion as at Q2 2026, compared to Rs. 40.37 billion at the end of 2025. The growth reflects the continued scale of the business and provides a stronger platform to serve an expanding policyholder base while investing in the capabilities required to support its next phase of growth.

During the first half, Janashakthi Life paid Rs. 2.24 billion in claims and benefits, reaffirming its commitment to supporting policyholders when it matters most. These payments provide essential financial support at critical moments in the lives of individuals and families, highlighting the vital role of life insurance in protecting their financial wellbeing and long-term security.

The Company remained profitable during the period, recording Profit Before Tax (PBT) of Rs. 271 million, excluding the surplus transfer for the period. With the declaration of the surplus transfer, profitability is expected to be substantially higher. Janashakthi Life remains focused on strengthening earnings quality, managing costs effectively, and translating business growth into sustained improvements in overall performance.

Annika Senanayake, Chairperson of Janashakthi Insurance PLC, said, “The performance in the first half reflects the strength of Janashakthi Life’s business and the opportunities that exist to further develop the life insurance market in Sri Lanka. We remain focused on building a business that combines sustainable growth with sound fundamentals, while making insurance more accessible to a wider segment of the population. As part of JXG, Janashakthi Life is well positioned to leverage the Group’s financial services ecosystem and continue strengthening its position in the market.”

Ravi Liyanage, Director/CEO of Janashakthi Insurance PLC, said, “The first half delivered strong growth across key areas of the business, with GWP increasing 36% to Rs. 5.11 billion. In all key segments, namely regular business, group life business and single premium business, the Company has outperformed the industry significantly, demonstrating its market challenger behaviour. The Company is strengthening its stability, crossing LKR 41 billion in assets under management. Our focus now is on building on this momentum through stronger distribution, improved productivity and disciplined cost management, while continuing to enhance the customer experience by providing an unmatched service throughout the lifespan of the service contract.”

The first-half performance provides a strong platform for Janashakthi Life to build on its growth plans for the remainder of the year. The Company will continue to focus on expanding access to life insurance, strengthening customer relationships and developing solutions that respond to changing financial priorities.

With GWP growth significantly ahead of the industry, a growing asset base and increased claims and benefits delivered to policyholders, Janashakthi Life continues to build scale across its core operations. The Company remains focused on disciplined growth, stronger execution and improving the quality of its performance, with the objective of creating sustainable value for policyholders, shareholders and the wider business.

Further reinforcing its strong market standing, Janashakthi Life was recognised among Sri Lanka’s 50 Best Workplaces™ for 2026 by Great Place To Work® Sri Lanka and was also named among Brand Finance’s Sri Lanka 100 Most Valuable Brands. These recognitions reflect the Company’s continued focus on building a strong brand, delivering value to customers and creating a high-performing organisation. (JXG)

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Hunas Holdings and CCH enter strategic collaborative partnership

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(L-R): Dhanuka Samarasinghe (Chairman - Hunas Holdings PLC) Yoshihiko Tanabe, Director CCH

Major Japanese business group sees long-term potential in Hunas Holdings as the two organisations explore new opportunities for growth in Sri Lanka

Hunas Holdings PLC is entering a new phase of growth through a collaborative partnership with CCH Co., Ltd. (CCH INC.), a major Tokyo-based business group with experience across business process outsourcing (BPO), in-house services, investment, mergers and acquisitions, and business development.

The partnership follows a period in which Hunas Holdings maintained a measured approach to new investments amid volatile market conditions, focusing on identifying the right opportunities and international relationships capable of creating sustainable long-term value.

Founded in Japan in 2008, CCH has grown into a significant and diversified business group with interests across multiple industries. Its approach combines investment with M&A, business development and operational expertise, enabling the company to play an active role in the businesses and markets it enters.

For CCH, the partnership represents an opportunity to bring this experience to Sri Lanka through Hunas Holdings, an established local group with a strong platform and long-term growth ambitions.

Yoshihiko Tanabe, Director of CCH Co., Ltd., said: “Through our discussions with Hunas Holdings, we see a company with strong foundations, local expertise and a clear ambition for growth. We believe there is meaningful potential in bringing the strengths of CCH and Hunas Holdings together. I am excited about this partnership, and particularly about some of the projects and opportunities we are already exploring together. There is much to look forward to soon”

For Hunas Holdings, the collaboration marks a renewed chapter of investment and international partnership, while for CCH, it reflects confidence in Hunas Holdings and the opportunities presented by the Sri Lankan market.

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Prime Minister to headline Sri Lanka Economic and Investment Summit session

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Dr Harini Amarasuriya

Dr. Harini Amarasuriya, Prime Minister of Sri Lanka, will deliver the keynote address at a special session on day 2 of the Sri Lanka Economic & Investment Summit 2026 organised by The Ceylon Chamber of Commerce, titled “Nation Building in the Digital Age”, on 13 October 2026 at the Shangri-La Colombo.

The session will examine how Sri Lanka can use artificial intelligence, digital transformation, innovation and education to accelerate economic growth, improve productivity and build a knowledge-driven economy. As technology reshapes industries and the nature of work, the discussion will focus on how Sri Lanka can develop the capabilities needed to remain competitive and create opportunities for future generations.

The Prime Minister will be joined by Waruna Sri Dhanapala, Secretary, Ministry of Digital Economy; Prof. Roshan Ragel, Senior Lecturer in Computer Engineering, University of Peradeniya; and Sanjay Shah, Founder and CEO, Elevante AI, who together will add perspectives from government, academia, and industry. Vinod Hirdaramani, Chairman of Hirdaramani Group and Deputy Vice Chairperson of The Ceylon Chamber of Commerce, will moderate the session.

The discussion will look at the opportunities and challenges presented by emerging technologies, including artificial intelligence and automation, and their potential to transform industries and create new areas of economic activity. It will also consider the role of digitalisation in improving public services and supporting entrepreneurship.

Education and skills development will be another important part of the conversation, particularly as the demand for new capabilities grows alongside technological change. The panel will consider how Sri Lanka can prepare its workforce for future jobs while developing an environment that supports innovation and technology-led businesses.

The session will also look beyond technology itself to the wider conditions needed for a digital economy to grow. Policy, investment, infrastructure, education and collaboration between government, industry and academia will all have a role in determining how effectively Sri Lanka can turn technological change into economic opportunity.

Held under the theme “Positioning Sri Lanka in a Changing Global Economy: Resilience, Reform, and the Future of Economic Policy,” SLEIS 2026 will offer perspectives from senior policymakers, business leaders, investors and international experts over two days of discussions on Sri Lanka’s economic direction, investment opportunities and the reforms needed to support future growth.

Registrations are now open at https://sleis.chamber.lk/. For more information, contact Alikie on 011 558 8805 (alikie@chamber.lk) or Shanuka on 0701082541 (events.division@chamber.lk).

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