Business

SLT-MOBITEL pushes boundaries in ICT & Telecom Education

Published

6 years ago

2021/03/31

SLT-MOBITEL has always been the pioneer held in high esteem when it comes to offering the nation with ICT and telecom solutions. Having achieved for itself a name within the telecom industry, SLT-MOBITEL identified the significance of elevating the nation’s young minds and empowering the growth of the industry by tapping into the education sector. This is when SLT Training Centre (SLTTC) came into being, and today can be hailed as an educational institute that is widely recognised for specialized education in the country.

SLTTC was initiated with the aim of developing the competency of the company’s staff members and the steps that were taken by the telecommunications service provider eventually paved the way to expand their educational services even further; working to uplift youth who were enthusiastic about entering the telecom industry in Sri Lanka. The educational arm of SLT-MOBITEL, SLTTC first began operations by offering engineering courses which extended up to degree level courses. Now, the training centre is looking forward to diversify on their course offerings and provide a range of courses for members of the public who seek to achieve a career pathway in the telecom sector.

Commenting on the role that the SLTTC plays in the country’s tertiary education landscape, Janaka Silva, General Manager of Talent Development Division, Sri Lanka Telecom stated, “Sri Lanka Telecom Training Centres have, over the years, maintained and continued to make a name as a premier provider of education services in the ICT and telecommunications disciplines. Being the training arm of SLT-MOBITEL, it also places the training centre on a higher standing where our students are guaranteed to receive the best in terms of higher education and training, during their time here with us. With our abundance of facilities, range of short and degree-level courses and the knowhow gained through easy access to industry-expertise, our students will be able to find their footing in the real world out there and confidently penetrate into the ICT and telecom industry, both locally and internationally.”

Amongst the many advantages that SLTTC has to offer, is their affiliation with world-recognized universities such as the University of Hertfordshire, UK, which offers Bachelor of Engineering Honours Degrees in a variety of Electrical and Electronic Engineering, Electronics and Communication Engineering, Electronics & Computer Engineering streams and also is amongst the highest-ranking universities in the world. Another awarding body is the Pearson BTEC (UK), which offers Higher National Diploma courses in Computing and Electrical & Electronic Engineering.

Prospective students can choose from an array of short courses such as Certificate in Applied Information Technology (CAIT), Advanced Certificate in Contact Centre Profession (CCP), Data Communication (CCNA), Transmission and Telecommunication Technician (NVQ Levels 3/4), and some that cover areas including Optical Fibre, Power & AC,. Sri Lankan students can therefore, easily gain a world-class education from the comfort of their own country and that too, at a fraction of the cost it would take to seek education abroad.

Upon successful completion of their studies, students can also obtain IET membership. Students who graduate after completing their B.Eng. degree can also move forward with their study path and enrol in an MSc or MBA program that is being offered by universities in the UK, USA and Australia, to name a few. Students who complete a UK degree program may also be entitled to a two-year post work permit in the UK.

A major highlight from the training centre’s achievements is the recognition it received when 10 first-class honours holders graduated from two batches, in two consecutive years (2019 and 2020). This type of output is rarely witnessed and yet, the SLTTC has been successful in easily achieving this feat. This accomplishment is down to the dedication and industry-expertise displayed by the lecture panel. What sets their lecturing approach apart is that students receive the utmost attention from their lecturers and many of the lecturers are also employed at SLT-MOBITEL. Therefore, they come equipped with a plethora of industry experience and knowhow which benefits their students and provides them with the opportunity to gain first-hand knowledge and experience.

Students being able to asily access their lecturers who are available to freely support their students at any time also helps in this process. Alternatively, students are also considered for internships at SLT-MOBITEL, thus providing them with an edge in terms of the fields they pursue and making the edification and career process ever more fulfilling. Many graduates have gone on to forge successful careers in their respective fields of study with their world-class qualifications being an extra stepping stone.

SLTTC has locations in Welisara, Moratuwa and Kandy. Amongst the many facilities made available to students, are lab facilities, sophisticated interactive classrooms, auditorium, recreation facilities, hostel facilities, library and canteen facilities. Extra-curricular activities are also a major part of the training centre’s learning experience and students are encouraged to take part in those proceedings.

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Business

Rs 160 million + diesel discrepancy at Lakvijaya power plant prompts probe

Published

23 hours ago

2026/09/30

Sahan Weerasooriya

The Lakvijaya power plant in Norochcholai.

By Ifham Nizam

A Rs.160 million-plus diesel discrepancy at the Lakvijaya power plant in Norochcholai has triggered an internal investigation, raising questions over the handling of public funds and the controls governing fuel purchased for electricity generation.

The discrepancy surfaced during an internal audit of diesel supplied to the plant from the Kolonnawa and Sapugaskanda fuel terminals, according to senior officials familiar with the inquiry.

The audit has identified five transactions—two in December 2025 and three in January 2026—in which diesel recorded as delivered to the plant allegedly could not be fully accounted for in its physical stocks.

The investigation is now examining whether these were isolated discrepancies or part of a longer-running practice.

One transaction under scrutiny relates to January 16, when records reportedly showed that 10 diesel bowsers had arrived at the plant. Investigators subsequently found indications that the fuel stock corresponded to only nine bowsers.

A storekeeper responsible for the relevant fuel operation has reportedly been temporarily removed from those duties pending the investigation.

A senior official said investigators were reviewing historical records amid indications that similar discrepancies may have occurred over a longer period. If established, the financial exposure could therefore exceed the Rs.160 million currently identified.

The investigation is comparing fuel-terminal dispatch records, tanker movements, plant-entry records, receiving documents and physical stocks to establish exactly how much fuel was dispatched, received and accounted for.

That audit trail will also be critical in determining who authorised, received and certified the disputed consignments, and whether established controls were followed.

Relevant documents were reportedly transferred from Norochcholai to the company’s Colombo head office on September 26 for further examination, with electricity-sector security personnel assisting in the transfer.

The internal audit has also reportedly uncovered expired chemical stocks worth several hundred thousand rupees in the plant’s stores. Investigators are examining whether further inventory-management irregularities occurred.

The matter was also reportedly taken to the Puttalam Police Special Crimes Investigation Unit on September 26.

When contacted by Puttalam-based journalist Hiran Priyankara Jayasinghe for The Island Financial Review, Lakvijaya Power Plant Manager Nalaka Kumara confirmed that an investigation was under way but declined to provide further details.

The financial issue is direct: if the plant paid for diesel it did not receive, public-sector funds were spent without the electricity sector receiving the corresponding fuel.

Business

Sri Lanka Food Processors Association holds 29th Annual General Meeting

Published

23 hours ago

2026/09/30

Sahan Weerasooriya

The Sri Lanka Food Processors Association (SLFPA) successfully convened its 29th Annual General Meeting (AGM) on September 23, 2026, at the Water’s Edge Hotel, Battaramulla. Bringing together key industry stakeholders and member organizations, the event served as a platform to review milestone achievements from the 2025/2026 term and outline strategic priorities for the nation’s food and beverage processing sector.

At the AGM, the new Executive Committee for 2027/2028 was appointed, comprising: Honorary President Aruna Senanayake C.W. Mackie PLC Imme. Past President Thusith Wijesinghe Trans Continental Packaging & Commodities (Pvt) Ltd.

President Elect Nadishan Guruge Meadlee Trading Co. (Pvt) Ltd.

1st Vice President Damitha Perera Forbes & Walkers Commodity Brockers (Pvt) Ltd.

2nd Vice President Rasika Seneviratne Diesel & Motor Engineering PLC 3rd Vice President Deepal De Alwis Neochem International (Pvt) Ltd.

Honorary Secretary Amila Weerasinghe Nestle Lanka Limited.

Asst. SecretaryDineth Alahakoon Country Style Foods (Pvt) Ltd.

Honorary Treasurer Sameera Jayathilaka Westmann Engineering Company (Pvt) Ltd.

Asst. Treasurer Niroshan Dalpethado C D De Fonseka & Sons (Pvt) Limited. In addition to the above office bearers, the following ten Executive Committee Members were appointed:

Sanjeewa De Silva Unilever Sri Lanka Limited Sheran De Alwis MA’S Tropical Food Processing (Pvt) Limited

Thusitha Ekanayake Anods Cocoa (Pvt) Ltd.

Vijitha Govinna Plenty Foods (Pvt) Limited Ms. Praharshi Wickramasekara International Commodity Exports (Pvt) Ltd.

Sanjeewa Niroshan SGS Lanka (Pvt) Ltd. Kushan Amarasinghe Finagle Lanka (Pvt) Ltd.

Rangajeewa Hettiarrachchi Fonterra Brands Lanka (Pvt) Ltd.

Harindra Abeyrathna Vision Technologies International (Pvt) Ltd. Thilina Weerasekara Ceylon Cold Stores PLC

The event was proudly supported by key industry partners, with SGS Lanka (Pvt) Ltd serving as the Platinum Sponsor. Unilever Sri Lanka Ltd. and Nestlé Lanka Ltd. joined as Gold Sponsors, Ceylon Agro Industries – Prima as the Silver Sponsor, while Lanka Exhibition & Conference Services (LECS) and Hero Nature Products (Pvt) Ltd., supported as Bronze Sponsors.

The proceedings concluded with a vote of thanks delivered by Hony. Secretary Deepal De Alwis, followed by cocktails and a fellowship networking session, providing an opportunity for members to connect and strengthen industry ties.

Business

Uber brings the ‘business class of back seats’ to Sri Lanka with Uber Black

Published

23 hours ago

2026/09/30

Sahan Weerasooriya

New premium ride option expands Uber’s portfolio from affordable Moto and Tuk rides to premium on-demand travel

Uber announced the launch of Uber Black in Sri Lanka, bringing its premium ride experience to the country for the first time. Designed as the “business class of back seats,” Uber Black combines premium vehicles and highly-rated drivers for riders looking for greater comfort, quality and a more elevated travel experience.

The launch comes as demand for premium products and experiences grows across Sri Lanka, with consumers seeking greater choice and quality in their everyday experiences. Uber Black brings this choice to on-demand mobility, whether for an airport journey, an important business meeting, a special occasion or simply when riders want to travel in greater comfort.