Ocean Lanka’s commitment to developing a future-ready workforce continues through the OCL Academy of Textile and Apparel, which recently marked the successful completion of its second training batch, with 33 employees graduating from the programme. The OCL Academy of Textile and Apparel was established in 2023 with the goal of methodically improving industrial knowledge, practical proficiency, and technical expertise in the textile and apparel sector.
The academy’s first batch, which started back in September 2023, concluded in December 2024, with 32 employees successfully completing the programme and receiving certificates after examinations, a milestone that underscored the effectiveness of the academy’s learning model. Building on this success, the second batch started in March 2025. The academy’s official registration with the Tertiary and Vocational Education Commission (TVEC) marked a significant achievement.
The academy’s flagship program, the Certificate in Textile and Apparel Manufacturing (PT-Skills Upgrading), is officially recognized by the TVEC registration. This further strengthens the academy’s reputation and compliance with national vocational education requirements. In December 2025, the second group completed the course with full TVEC recognition.
Commenting on the milestone, Mrs. Indrani Narampanawa – Chief Officer Human Resources & Administration said: “Our long-standing dedication to structured education and skill development within the organization is reflected in the OCL Academy of Textile and Apparel. We are strengthening the overall competitiveness of the Sri Lankan apparel industry while providing our employees with the knowledge and skills necessary to meet changing industry needs by fusing recognized certification with hands-on, industry-aligned training.”
Adding to this, Mr. Chathumadura Liyanagama, Head of OCL Academy of Textile & Apparel and Director – Fabric Development & Innovation, stated: “The academy was designed to bridge the gap between theoretical knowledge and real-world manufacturing challenges. With TVEC
recognition now in place, our curriculum delivers structured, industry-relevant learning across the entire textile value chain, ensuring participants are not only technically proficient but also innovation-ready for the future of apparel manufacturing.”
The programme is thoughtfully designed to provide a well-balanced combination of academic instruction and hands-on training, guaranteeing that participants acquire both fundamental knowledge and practical exposure in line with actual industry demands. Fiber science, yarn manufacturing systems, fabric structures, knitting, dyeing, finishing, printing, fabric inspection and testing, garment technology, textile innovation, and emerging industry trends are all covered in training modules that cover the entire textile and apparel value chain.
A well-defined vision and mission serve as the foundation for the academy’s operations. Its vision is to be the leading corporate learning hub that inspires excellence, innovation, and professional development in the textile and apparel industry. Its mission is to empower employees through high-quality theoretical, technical, and practical education, forming a skilled, knowledgeable, and future-ready workforce that contributes to the sustainable growth of Ocean Lanka and the wider apparel industry.
The OCL Academy of Textile and Apparel is preparing to start its third batch in February 2026, reaffirming its long-term commitment to workforce development, capability building, and industry advancement in Sri Lanka’s apparel sector, after completing two batches successfully and receiving TVEC recognition.
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