Hirantha Rajapaksha of Skills College of Technology inspires new hope in the youth of the nation

When Hirantha Rajapaksha graduated with a City & Guilds Advanced Diploma in Motor Vehicle Engineering, little did he realize the ways in which his world and the world around him were to change.

He became an instant star of inspiration and hope for the youth, particularly for those who had sat for the highly competitive GCE (A/L) Examination and, like he, being left out from attaining a degree from a Sri Lankan University –only because for the want of few marks to pass the cutoff point.

That was no deterrence to Hirantha nor his father. His father, a farmer from the hinterlands of Kurunegala, having found out about City & Guilds and about Skills College of Technology, knew that this is the place for his son to further his passion for Motor Mechanics.

That passion had all the nurturing from Skills College of Technology. In quick time, he successfully completed the City& Guilds Certificate in Engineering and the Diploma in Engineering courses making him eligible to sit for t h e A dv a n c e d Diploma in Engineering Course.

Talking about the foremost institution in Sri Lanka for technical education, M r. Danesh Abeyawickrama, Executive Director of Skills College of Technology said that“The main aim of the organization is to make all its students ‘industry ready’ as industries need new recruits to adapt to workplace practices within the shortest possible time. At Skills College of Technology we ensure simulated practical work for all students, as well as ‘on the job training’ at specially selected industries, which meet requirements of global career opportunities and thosein the large industrial sector in Sri Lanka.

At the City & Guilds examination which was conducted in over 80 countries he becamethe 1st –in the world. That won him the City & Guilds Lion Award 2012 for International Learner of the Year. That prestige, honour and the qualification has given great impetus to his career progress.

When United Motors employed him he was 23 years. Hardly finishing his apprenticeship, company realizing his potential, made him permanent as Service Adviser. Now he has no regrets what so ever of not being able to enter university anymore. Because the pathway he has chosen will soon lead him not only to a degree but to being a Chartered Engineer as well –not someday, but very soon.

Speaking on behalf of United Motors, the motor company with many world famed flagship brands under its care, Mr. B. Singhage, General Manager – Technical,Parts and Accessories had this to say:

“When we recruit young blood to our organization that is steeped in technology which is ever moving forward, upgrading, innovating, modifying in order to beat competition, we seek qualified personnel who themselves have a passion for new knowledge, achievement and who are ever willing to get trained to reach greater heights.

“Those attributes we amply saw in Hirantha and in his qualifications. He is extremely competent, a great performer, down to earth and humble to the core and immensely liked by the entire company. The great brands we handle deserve nothing less than this caliber of personnel and we want our valued customers to rest assured in the high service we provide.”

General Manager -Human Recourses and Administration of United Motors Mr. RaveendraSiriwardena, said he is overly happy with the standard of City and Guilds Qualifications at all levels. Apart from the high level of technical proficiency in the engineering field they all command a high level of English literacy as well. He further observed that City & Guilds qualification holders display a heightened sense of industrial discipline.

Great promisethat Hirantha showed, gave him the exposure to many departments within the company and soon he would be serving the Fuso Trucks Department for which he will receive training in Japan at Mitsubishi Fuso Japan.

For all the unlucky ones who were not destined to enter our s t at e universities, Hirantha had this word of encouragement:

“Choose as I did a City & Guilds Career Progression Pathway and, equally important, choose a partnering teaching institution like Skills College of Technology and you will have only one way to go –up and up towards a bright future.”

Seen what Hirantha has achieved in such a short time, who will disagree.