Marking a new phase of the manufacturing skills of Army personnel, The state-of-the-art production of Shoes, Berets, Hand Bags, Power Loom, HandLoom products, producing most-needed varieties of hardware, barrack equipment, machinery tools, and all other accessories required for the Army for regular use inside the newly-constructed Army Ordnance Industries at Veyangoda commenced today (08) during a brief ceremony graced by the Commander of the Army, Lieutenant General Vikum Liyanage. More importantly, the project would save foreign exchange and local costs for the organization while supplying the critical needs of the Army on a priority basis.
The opening of the new production sections including factory-manufactured and technically-modified accessories in the Army Ordnance Industries signals a new turning point in the Army’s story of modernizing and restructuring its infrastructure facilities as well, to be in parallel with fast-changing, innovative prospects, and challenge dimensions at global levels. The new section is manned nearly by 250 Officers and Other Ranks.
According to the Sri Lanka Army Way Forward Strategy 2020-2025, these projects are expected to develop and promote Army skills, innovative creativity, knowledge of modern technology, access to quality products, and provide second career options for hundreds of soldiers through craftsmanship, etc upon their retirement.
Under the second phase of the project, the Army Ordnance Industries expects to broaden its productions to Sri Lanka Navy, Sri Lanka Air Force, and Sri Lanka Police, and under the third phase of the project expects to produce these manufactures to the government institutions and civil institutions. Further, providing for the use of foreign militaries will be implemented under the fourth phase.
Moreover, the Army Ordnance Industries expects to educate the Army personnel to produce innovations by providing them with NVQ level 3 qualifications in collaboration with government-accredited Institutions.
