The Sri Lanka Export Development Board (SLEDB) hosted a workshop and seminar focused on Hand Soldering and Wire Harness Techniques on August 14, 2026, at K-TEC in Orugodawatta. This event marked the first of its kind in the country, organized in partnership with the Vocational Training Authority of Sri Lanka (VTA), the Global Electronics Association (IPC India), and the Sri Lanka Electronic and Electrical Manufacturers and Exporters Association (SLEEMEA).
The Global Electronics Association, previously known as the International Electronics Manufacturing Association and based in the United States, is a global entity that aids Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEMs), Electronic Manufacturing Services (EMS), Printed Circuit Board (PCB) producers, and suppliers of cables and wire harnesses. It promotes the production of high-quality electronics by establishing international standards, which are recognized by organizations such as the American National Standards Institute (ANSI) and adopted by the US Defense, NASA, and the Society of Automotive Engineers. IPC India, the Indian branch of this association, has collaborated with the EDB in recent years to enhance the local electronic and electrical industries through various programs in Sri Lanka.
Over 140 individuals attended the workshop, including approximately 100 VTA students specializing in fields like Automobile, Soldering, and Electrical and Electronic sectors. The event also saw participation from a delegation representing IPC India, as well as management and instructors from the EDB and VTA, who engaged in interactive lectures and practical soldering demonstrations.
The primary aim of this workshop was to entice more skilled workers into the Electronic and Electrical sectors and to revise or introduce new courses and curricula to attract additional students in the Automobile, Soldering, Electronic, and Electrical manufacturing fields.
This event served as a valuable opportunity for professionals and industry leaders to network, exchange knowledge, and explore the latest developments in Electronic Assembly. The workshop included informative presentations by industry experts, addressing subjects such as Emerging Technologies, Manufacturing Processes, Quality Standards, and Regulatory Compliance.
Major General Priyantha Weerasinghe, the Director General of the Vocational Training Authority of Sri Lanka, and Ms. Indumini Kodikara, Director of the Export Services Division at the EDB, addressed the audience. Additionally, Mr. Vittal Vatar, Senior Regional Manager, and Mr. Saurabh Kumar Saxena, Master IPC Trainer from IPC India, provided speeches and soldering demonstrations.
Industry leaders, including Mr. Asanka Manoj, Managing Director of Flintec Transducers (Pvt) Ltd; Mr. Susiri Alwis, Production Manager at Cable Solutions; and Mr. Gamini Ranasinghe, President of SLEEMEA, delivered keynote addresses during the event.
Thanks to government support, a skilled labor force, and a favorable business climate, Sri Lanka’s Electronics Industry has experienced consistent growth. The nation’s strategic geographical location and highly educated workforce, particularly in engineering and technology, position it to become a notable contender in the Global Electronic and Electrical Market.
This event was crucial for the advancement of Sri Lanka’s Electronic and Electrical Industry. The EDB plans to continue this momentum by updating and introducing VTA courses in line with IPC standards and soldering techniques, with guidance from the Global Electronics Association and SLEEMEA. Furthermore, SLEEMEA aims to establish a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with VTA to recruit a skilled workforce tailored to meet the needs of the Electronic and Electrical manufacturing sector, marking a significant development for the industry.
