The project, stemmed as an innovative visionary concept of the Commander of the Army, is slated to put by a colossal chunk of expenditure to the Army, incurred annually on the purchase of those steel stocks of different ilk from private sector producers in the open market.
The inauguration of this first-ever large scale production centre took place during a ceremony, attended by the architect of the project, Lieutenant General Daya Ratnayake, Commander of the Army as the Chief Guest at the invitation of Major General D.R Mayadunne, Colonel Commandant, SLEME.
A few weeks ago, the Commander opened similar Army production centres for manufacture of furniture for Army consumption at Katubedda, and a few days ago a similar steel furniture producing centre at Dombagoda. (See separate website stories)
Kosgama SLEME ‘Army Industrial Workshop’ opened today (2) is to fulfill all Army material requirements gradually after commencing the production on staggered bases in order to ensure a return on investment and profit.
The Commander through this project expects to develop the Army skill capital, innovative creation and promotion of modern technology, access to quality products, and savings of foreign exchange and local costs, supply of critical needs of the Army on priority basis while simultaneously providing a second career option for hundreds of retired soldiers whose craftsmanship could still be harnessed for a worthy cause.
Under this new project at Kosgama, identified barrack items, metal beds and light items are to be manufactured with available resources as the first phase. The next stage of production will focus on aluminum related works in the Army before the project moves to fasting related works. Production of gas stoves, towel racks, chairs, cupboards, wheelbarrows, souvenirs, etc will also receive priority after modalities are in place.
Members of the Maha Sangha invoked blessings on the project at the inaugural ceremony on Tuesday (2) before the Commander unveiled a plaque and declared open the new Army industry which will remain a milestone in its history.
The Commander afterwards in the company of Major General E.M.M Ambanpola, Deputy Chief of Staff, Major General S.W.L Daulagala, Commandant, Sri Lanka Army Volunteer Force, Major General Sumedha Perera, Director General General Staff, Major General D.R Mayadunne, Colonel Commandant, SLEME, Major General N Jayasuriya, Director, Directorate of Electrical and Mechanical Engineering, several Brigadiers, senior officers, Lieutenant Colonel S.A Amarasekara, Commandant, Army Industrial Workshop and many other officers, inspected the new workshop and saw for himself how the production process works.
(SL ARMY)
