INTRODUCTION

The Welder Qualification Facility (WQF) of the National Centre for Non-Destructive Testing (NCNDT) of the Sri Lanka Atomic Energy Board (SLAEB) is established to create internationally accepted welding professionals such as welders, supervisors, inspectors, etc. This well-established WQF consists of calibrated equipment, a safe environment, and competent resource personnel with internationally accepted certification schemes such as CWI, CSWIP, etc.

The main objectives of this facility are as follows:

• Certifying the competence and skills of the welder by providing him a Welder Performance Qualification certificate if he meets the requirements in Section IX of the ASME Boiler and Pressure Vessel Code, the latest revision.

• Screening of welders to ascertain their skills and competency to ensure that they qualify to meet the client’s company standards/Section IX of the ASME Boiler and Pressure Vessel Code, the latest revision.

• Procedure qualifying services.

• Community builds up in the field of welding.

The creation of this important project by NCNDT would accrue multiple benefits to welders as they would be professionally qualified and meet the demand for professionally qualified welders for employment in Sri Lanka and overseas. Further, this will benefit them by uplifting their living status..