The Packaging Machinery Demonstration Session was successfully conducted on March 20, 2026, from 9:00 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. at the VALID Centre, Park Road Premises, University of Vavuniya. Organized by the VALID Centre in collaboration with the University Business Linkage (UBL) and the University of Vavuniya, the session aimed to empower local Small and Medium Enterprise (SME) entrepreneurs by enhancing their practical knowledge and technical skills in food packaging and preservation. The event was graced by the presence of Prof. A. Atputharajah, Vice Chancellor of the University of Vavuniya, alongside Mr. M. Nanthakumar (Deputy Registrar), Ms. S. Mathivathany (UBL Director), Mr. P. Sasitharan (SME Sector Coordinator), and Mr. M. Thavendran (District Vidatha Officer, Vavuniya).
The technical demonstration was led by Mr. M. Nilogan, Technical Officer at CMC Engineering, who served as the resource person. He provided an in-depth explanation of modern packaging technologies, focusing on the Multifunction Sealing Machine and Vacuum Packaging Machine. The session emphasized not only operational aspects but also the quality improvement benefits of these technologies, including enhanced product shelf life, prevention of microbial contamination, moisture control, and maintenance of product freshness. These quality aspects are critical for ensuring food safety, meeting regulatory requirements, and improving consumer confidence in locally produced food products.
A key objective of this programme was to strengthen the capacity of Incubation Centre Officers and Vidatha Unit Officers, who are expected to act as trainers and knowledge disseminators in future training programmes. By equipping these officers with hands-on experience and technical understanding of packaging technologies, the initiative ensures sustainable knowledge transfer to a wider network of SME entrepreneurs across the region.
The session recorded active participation from 15 individuals, including incubation centre staff and entrepreneurs from the Vavuniya District, representing enterprises such as MAM Industries, ThasThusha Traditional Products, Aarokyam Food Products, SD Tasty Magics, and Cucku Industry. The interactive nature of the session allowed participants to clarify practical challenges related to machinery operation, maintenance, and application in small-scale industries.
From a quality improvement perspective, this programme marks a significant step towards enhancing the post-processing quality of food products in the region. Proper packaging plays a vital role in reducing spoilage, extending shelf life, and ensuring compliance with market standards, which directly supports product commercialization and market expansion.
This session represents an important milestone in the operational progress of the VALID Centre. It demonstrates the Centre’s transition from infrastructure development to capacity building and quality enhancement initiatives. By integrating technical training with practical demonstrations, the Centre is actively contributing to strengthening the local food value chain. Furthermore, this initiative aligns with the broader objective of improving quality assurance practices among SMEs, thereby supporting national goals related to food safety, standardization, and market competitiveness.
