NATIONAL VOCATIONAL TRAINING CERTIFICATE AWARDING CEREMONY AT SRI LANKA SCHOOL OF MILITARY ENGINEERING

The National Vocational Qualification (NVQ) Certificate Awarding Ceremony held on 17 October 2025 at the Sri Lanka School of Military Engineering (SLSME) marked a significant step in strengthening vocational education and professional development within the Sri Lanka Army and the Corps of Sri Lanka Engineers. The event underscored SLSME’s commitment to enhancing the technical and professional skills of its personnel through accredited and practical training programs.

The ceremony was graced by the Director General of the Tertiary and Vocational Education Commission, Mr. KA Lalithadheera, who attended as the Chief Guest. The Chief Field Engineer of the Sri Lanka Army, Brigadier CD Wickramanayake WV RSP ndc, along with other distinguished guests, was warmly received by the Commandant of SLSME, Colonel JACS Jagoda psc. Their presence reflected the close partnership between the Tertiary and Vocational Education Commission and the Sri Lanka Army in promoting recognized vocational standards and skill development initiatives.

In his welcome address, the Commandant highlighted the value of NVQ training in equipping service members with nationally recognized technical skills. He expressed gratitude to the officials of the Tertiary and Vocational Education Commission and other stakeholders for their continued support in successfully implementing NVQ programs at SLSME.

After the award ceremony, the Chief Guest and senior officers visited the Field Engineering Model Room and the Explosive Ordnance Disposal Equipment Yard, where an Improvised Explosive Device Disposal demonstration was conducted by the Sappers. The display showcased the professionalism, technical competence, and versatility of SLSME trainees in operational military engineering tasks.

During the subsequent briefing, the Commandant presented comprehensive plans for upgrading the Explosive Ordnance Disposal Course, Field Engineer Class I Course, Plant Engineer Class I Course, Basic CBRN Response Course, and Humanitarian Demining Course to NVQ Level 4, with the objective of achieving elevated qualification standards. The Director General of the Tertiary and Vocational Education Commission endorsed the proposals deliberated during the Commandant's briefing and directed the initiation of procedures to secure NVQ Level 4 accreditation. Furthermore, the Chief Field Engineer provided substantive contributions and facilitated the proceedings of the briefing. Additionally, discussions focused on aligning all SLSME training programme with nationally accredited NVQ frameworks, thereby ensuring the long-term sustainability and ongoing enhancement of military vocational training

The event was attended by several key officials, including Director of the Registration, Accreditation and Q.M.S. Division of the Tertiary and Vocational Education Commission Mr. Manjula Vidanapathirana, Centre Commandant of the Corps of Sri Lanka Engineers Colonel RM Subasinghe RSP, Principal of the Technical College of Embilipitiya Mr. Mahinda Rathna Bandula Gamage, Major WMKHK Thalakiriyawe (Retd) SLE, the Commanding Officers of the 1 SLE , 14 CBRNE Response Regiment, and 16 Workshop Regiment. Their participation emphasized the shared commitment of military and civil institutions toward fostering vocational excellence.

Overall, the ceremony reaffirmed SLSME’s unwavering dedication to advancing technical education and professional growth within the Sri Lanka Army while strengthening collaboration with national vocational authorities to uphold the highest standards of skill certification and capacity building.