June 26, 2024: The National Convention on Quality and Productivity awards (NCQP) 2024, organised by the Sri Lanka Association for the Advancement of Quality and Productivity (SLAAQP), concluded successfully on June 25, 2024, at the Mount Lavinia Hotel, Colombo.
Held under the theme “A Quest for Quality, Productivity, and Innovation,” the event highlighted Sri Lanka’s dedication to excellence across diverse sectors.
The convention attracted over 360 teams mostly from the manufacturing industry, presenting their achievements in Quality Control Circles, Cross-Functional Teams, Lean Six Sigma, Quality Improvement Projects, and Kaizen suggestions. A panel of expert judges evaluated the presentations, recognising outstanding contributions through an awards ceremony.
Among the esteemed Gold winners were CBL, MAS, Ansell Lanka, Melsta Hospitals and Hemas hospitals demonstrating Sri Lanka’s commitment to achieving the highest standards in quality and innovation. These Gold award recipients have earned the prestigious opportunity to represent Sri Lanka at the International Convention on Quality Control Circles (ICQCC) 2024, to be hosted in Sri Lanka this November.
Mahinda College emerged as the sole educational institution to be recognised at the ceremony, receiving a Gold award and setting a historical precedent. Additionally, Base Hospital Akkaraipattu secured a Gold award in the public health sector category.
In total, a remarkable 360 teams from 78 companies achieved Gold awards across the three major categories. The event acknowledged a total of 1360 awards, encompassing Gold, Silver, and Bronze categories.
The event featured distinguished speakers, including Mr. D.K. Srivastava, the Executive Director of the Quality Circle Forum of India as the Chief Guest and Mrs. Samanthi Narangoda, Deputy Director General of the Sri Lanka Standards Institution, as the Keynote Speaker for the first session.
The second session was graced by Dr. Saranga Alahapperuma, Chairman of the Industry Development Board, Sri Lanka, as Chief Guest, and Dr. Ranil Sugathadasa, a Senior Lecturer in the Department of Transport and Logistics in the University of Moratuwa as Keynote Speaker. Mr. Sunil Wijesinghe, Founder President of SLAAQP, attended as the Guest of Honor.
A highlight of NCQP 2024 was the strong emphasis on sustainability. Many teams demonstrated how their quality improvement initiatives contribute to Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and address climate action through waste reduction, resource optimisation, and minimising environmental impact.
Mr. Kamal Geeganage, Chief Operating Officer of CBL Foods International (Platinum Sponsor), and Mr. Ramesh Nanayakkara, Country Head and Senior Director of Ansell Lanka and Ansell Textiles (Gold Sponsor), represented the event’s key supporters.
“NCQP 2024 demonstrates Sri Lanka’s dedication to continuous improvement and its pursuit of excellence,” said the Chief Guest. “The innovative projects showcased here have a significant impact not only on business success but also on achieving sustainable development goals.”
This successful convention underscores SLAAQP’s crucial role in promoting quality and productivity in Sri Lanka since its establishment in 1989. As a non-profit organisation comprising professionals committed to national development, SLAAQP continues to play a vital part in uplifting Sri Lanka’s quality and productivity standards.
The NCQP 2024 has set a new benchmark for quality and innovation in Sri Lanka, paving the way for continued growth and excellence in the years to come.