Rashika Hennayake , 17 May LNW : The Sri Lanka Association for the Advancement of Quality and Productivity (SLAAQP) has announced the highly anticipated National Convention on Quality and Productivity (NCQP) 2025 during a media conference held at BMICH, Colombo. Scheduled for 21st and 22nd May at the Mount Lavinia Hotel, Colombo, the convention will bring together over 440 teams from more than 70 companies, each showcasing innovative approaches and achievements in quality and productivity enhancement. This event is set to be the largest gathering of quality professionals in the country.
Established in 1996 as the successor to the Quality Circle Association of Sri Lanka, SLAAQP has been a driving force in advancing the nation’s standards in quality and productivity. “The NCQP is not just a convention; it is a celebration of collective ingenuity and perseverance. It is the only national platform that empowers participants at all organisational levels, especially shop-floor teams, to share their success stories and innovations,” remarked Dr Surani Dias, President of SLAAQP.
This year’s convention is centred around the theme “Beyond Boundaries: Quality, Productivity, and Innovation for Market Competitiveness”. It features an impressive array of programmes, including Quality Control Circles (QCCs), Quality Improvement Projects (QIPs), Lean Six Sigma (LSS), Cross-Functional Teams (CFTs), and Kaizen practices.
“Our mission at SLAAQP is guided by the belief that continuous improvement is not an option but a necessity. By fostering a culture of innovation and excellence, we equip Sri Lankan organisations with the tools to thrive in a competitive global landscape,” Dr Dias emphasised.
A notable highlight of NCQP 2025 will be the introduction of the Sunil G. Wijesinha Quality Control Circle Excellence Award 2025. Named in honour of SLAAQP’s founding president and a pioneer in Sri Lanka’s productivity movement, this accolade represents the highest recognition of technical excellence, innovation, sustainability, and measurable impact in productivity initiatives.
Chairperson of NCQP 2025, Ms Piumi Perera, expressed her enthusiasm for the event and the new honour: “This award is a tribute to teams that exemplify the transformative power of quality and productivity initiatives. It underscores the potential of Sri Lankan organisations to excel not only locally but also on the global stage.”
Importantly, the winning teams of NCQP 2025 will also earn the opportunity to represent Sri Lanka at the International Convention on Quality Control Circles 2025 in Taipei, Taiwan, a prestigious regional platform featuring 14 participating countries across Asia.
In addition to NCQP, SLAAQP has launched several strategic initiatives to strengthen its impact. These include the Total Quality Management (TQM) Excellence Award, Green Productivity Awards, and its second annual research conference, set to take place on 30th July 2025. The research conference will provide a platform for knowledge sharing and the dissemination of innovative practices, fostering a collaborative environment for professionals across various sectors.
To further strengthen engagement with the business community, SLAAQP will host a business forum alongside the research conference. This forum will address critical industry issues, ensuring practical insights and solutions for its attendees.
