The Department of Textile and Clothing Technology of the University of Moratuwa saw yet another landmark in its development with the recent inauguration of its 2nd CAD (Computer Aided Designing) laboratory.

The newest CAD (Computer Aided Designing) laboratory is equipped with 20 workstations and with cutting edge Lectra software. Lectra is one of the leading providers of CAD solutions to the textile and apparel industry in the world and the Department's capacity to train students to meet the growing demands of a fast-changing global industry has been further enhanced with the introduction of this laboratory.

The software in the laboratory together with necessary licenses formed a Rs. 35 million donation package from Lectra International on the recommendation of its local representative, Apparel Technologies (Pvt) Ltd, who were also involved in the refurbishment of the laboratory.

The project was initiated by Dr. Ujithe Gunasekera, a senior lecturer of the Department, and was coordinated by Dr. TSS Jayewardene on behalf of the University and Mr. Damitha Silva on behalf of Apparel Technologies.

A team from Apparel Technologies including its Chairman. Rohan de Silva, Deputy Chairman Sujeewa Fernando and Director Chula Ariyaratne were present at the inauguration along with the Dean of the Faculty of Engineering, Prof. Ananda Jayewardene, members of the staff and students.

Dr. Sandun Fernando, Head of Department who spoke on the occasion highlighted the importance of university-industry partnerships and spoke on ways by which the university and industry could help each other in development.

Dean, Prof. Ananda Jayawardene said that the University of Moratuwa was currently ranked as the leading university in Sri Lanka and the 11th in the region, ahead of many prestigious Indian universities. Mr. Chula Ariyaratne addressing the gathering stressed his company's commitment to develop education in the apparel sector.

A highlight of the opening ceremony was the awarding of certificates to seven members of the academic and technical staff of the Department, who had completed an in-house training programme on the Lectra system provided by Apparel Technologies.