In a landmark initiative for Sri Lanka’s vocational education system, Fonterra Brands Lanka, in partnership with the Tertiary and Vocational Education Commission (TVEC), NAITA, the Department of Labour, and eight leading dairy industry peers, has introduced the country’s first National Competency Standard for dairy machine operators.

The eight collaborating companies include Milco, Maliban Milk Products, Richlife Dairies, Ceylon Cold Stores, Chello Dairy, Nestlé Lanka, Pelwatte Dairy, and Lion Brewery (Ceylon). The handover ceremony was graced by Deputy Minister of Vocational Education, Nalin Hewage, who praised the public–private collaboration as a milestone in upskilling Sri Lanka’s workforce.

Developed over a year, the standard is now being implemented through NAITA’s training network, offering experienced dairy machine operators the opportunity for formal certification. It addresses the long-standing gap where skilled professionals lacked recognised qualifications, despite years of hands-on experience.

Fonterra’s General Manager – Sri Lanka and Local Emerging Markets, Fazlan Faizal, stated: “This collaboration reflects our deep commitment to empowering skilled individuals and contributing to national development.”

This effort positions the dairy sector as a key partner in building a future-ready, skilled workforce.