DIMO to establish a state-of-the-art Driver Training Academy
View(s):Due to a large number of deaths predominantly caused by road accidents, Sri Lanka is one of many countries across the globe that has pledge to support the United Nations decade of “Action for Road safety 2011-2020”.
The UN estimates that over 1.3 million people die each year due to road traffic accidents, while in Sri Lanka it is reported that 2,218 accidents and 498 deaths had taken place due to road accidents upto March this year. It is predicted that this number will rise by 25% each year if effective measures to prevent road accidents are not taken right away.
As a responsible corporate citizen DIMO, the pioneer in the Sri Lanka’s automobile industry has made a timely initiative to establish a state-of-the-art Driver Training Academy, toward increasing quality in driving and ensuring road safety. The training which is designed and accredited by the University of Moratuwa Transport & Logistics Department under the guidance of Prof. Amal Kumarage, is excepted to boost the quality of driving and lessen the quantity of roads accidents witnessed each day.
The academy which is located at ‘Namal Padanama’ in Sooriyawewa adjacent to the Mattala Rajapaksa International Airport and within walking distance of the Mahinda Rajapaksa International Cricket Stadium, has a number of customised training programmes to suit the people’s needs.
The flagship programme offered by the academy is the ‘Driver Pro’, an advanced driver training programme designed for drivers who have already obtained a driver’s license and have had at least 3 years driving experience or driven a total of 50,000 km. The course includes driver safety, passenger safety, vehicle maintenance, how to drive in
varying circumstances, how to use novel technology, driver etiquette and how to live up to employer expectations. The course primarily aims at improving drivers’ attitudes and uplifting their self-esteem and professionalism to increase their employability in local and foreign markets.
The curriculum of this special course was prepared subsequent to thorough research and by utilising international best practices. Those who undergo the training would be in the safe hands of instructors who have been trained and accredited by the University of Moratuwa to teach the advanced driving programme.
The academy provides training for a range of motor vehicles from a left hand driver Mercedes Benz to buses and tippers and other vehicles types. The academy applies novel training methods and modern technology and is equipped with its own driving track built according to internationally accepted standards. It also has an inbuilt special driving simulator with accommodation and facilities for 40 resident trainees.
In addition to the expert driver training courses, the academy also offers training for a range of construction machinery specialised in the world renowned KOMATSU machines/ Those who successfully complete the course would be awarded a certificate of NVQ level 4 which would give broader access for trainees to seek job training and the opportunity to explore employment both locally and overseas.
Whilst providing the special service at a very reasonable price the DIMO Driver Training Academy looks forward to making a significant contribution in reducing road accidents and safeguarding the lives of the Sri Lankan people.
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