Technology stream students of Richmond on industry awareness visit to LEEMA

The Technology Day of Galle District, known as Enovus 2023, recently took place at Richmond College’s C. W. W. Kannangara Auditorium. Organized by Richmond College’s Technology Stream students and overseen by Principal P. S. Pushpakumara, along with M. G. U. K. Senevirathne, the Master in-charge of the Technology stream, and other teachers, the event aimed to raise industry awareness.  
The event’s Chief Guest was Mr. Channa Wijesekara, a distinguished Old Boy of Richmond, a veteran Industrialist, and the Chairman of Leema Creations (Pvt) Limited. Leema is a leading, award-winning Interior Fit-out and Wood Working Industry.  
Terrence M. Rengarasu and Dr. W.M.K.R.T.W Bandara, Senior Lecturers in the Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering at the Faculty of Engineering, University of Ruhuna, participated in the event and delivered insightful talks.  
P. S. Pushpakumara, Principal of Richmond College, delivered the opening speech, emphasizing the value of Technological Education and the high employability opportunities for Technology stream students. This event, initiated by Principal P. S. Pushpakumara, aims to nurture students’ interest in emerging technologies and prepare them for gainful employment upon completing their studies in the technology stream. A technical exhibition ran concurrently, showcasing students’ innovations.  
The event’s strength was further enhanced by an “Industrial Awareness Visit” to the state-of-the-art Leema factory in Dompe. On August 7, 69 Richmond Technology stream students, accompanied by three teachers, had the opportunity to explore different divisions of the Leema factory and experience its real working conditions. During their visit, they observed the operation of ultra-modern, fully automated machines, including Computer Numerically Controlled (C.N.C.) router drills, Programmable Logic Control (P.L.C.) machines like Edge banders, Sawmills, and Chemical treatment vacuum-pressure chambers, as well as Timber drying kilns. They also witnessed the production of ultra-modern furniture manufactured for Foreign Direct investors and the Corporate sector.  
Additionally, the students toured the Metal workshop, Aluminium Fabrication unit, Upholstery division, and furniture finishing division of 
the factory.