The Norwegian Society of Engineers (NITO) funds the Electronic Department of a Technical College

NITO is the largest Trade Union for Engineers in Norway . It has over 53 000 members from all engineering backgrounds.

NITO have made a contribution of 200,000 NOK to help the development of a technical college to teach electronic engineering. They are the first trade union organization from Norway , who has kindly taken on the interests of improving the lives of those who live in North-East Sri-Lanka. The North-East region has a good base in the market of electronics and electrical commodities. Consequently, there is a greater need to understand the operation and functionality of the many different appliances.

There is and continue to be, a job market for those who are skilled in the electronics field, as current and future products require people to not only repair defected items, but also the ability to invent electronic products. Students, who are taken on board into this college, will have been qualified up to GCE Advanced Level (i.e. those who have successfully completed their secondary education). The course lasts for nine months, and provides an engineering academic discipline. The electronics education at this institution gives students theoretical and practical skills at technical college level.

TR TEC London, a non-governmental organisation (NGO) has taken on the responsibility of assessing students who apply for a place in the course. TR TEC runs several institutes in the North-East, and conduct UK City & Guilds courses which are internationally recognised. According to TECH Executive Director, Mr. Sugunan, the students graduating from the course will have very good employment prospects, as there is good market for electronic technician in a variety of fields, i.e. circuit assembly, computer assembly, as well as electronic appliances repair.

Other projects in which TECH are involved in, as mentioned by Mr Sugunan, is the development of a new PC assembly line. This future factory aims to produce personal computers to the local market.

Mr. Sugunan in his speech gave thanks to NITO and the expatriates of Norway, for providing funds to help the people of North-East Sri-Lanka, who have suffered immensely after the natural disaster, tsunami. The above establishments and projects contribute significantly, in the re-building of innocent lives.

The foundation stone ceremony took place in Ariviyalnakar ( Knowledge City ), Killinochchi on Wednesday 8 th February 2006. Professor Navaratnarajah, Mr William Paterson, from Canada TECH, Working as a Project engineer of TECH, Mr.Suntharammorthy and Miss Nanthini participated in this event.

Mr. Suganan quotes, “If all goes according to plan, this establishment should be setup and completed within the next five months.”