Eewawasam Meegallal-Age Nalinda Kumara, first foreign on-site foreman at the Ulsan-based HD Hyundai Heavy Industries shipyard. Courtesy of HD Hyundai Heavy Industries
By Kim Hyun-bin
Eewawasam Meegallal-Age Nalinda Kumara, a 35-year-old from Sri Lanka, has been appointed as the first foreign on-site foreman at the Ulsan-based HD Hyundai Heavy Industries shipyard.
Kumara, who was promoted in April, now leads a diverse team in the painting department, comprising nine Koreans and 19 foreign workers, including several Sri Lankans.
Kumara’s role involves overseeing touch-up painting tasks, identifying potential hazards and ensuring the safety of his team. He communicates in both Korean and his native language to foster a safe and efficient work environment.
“I strive to create a harmonious and productive atmosphere by effectively communicating with all team members,” Kumara said.
HD Hyundai Heavy Industries employs approximately 32,000 workers, of which around 4,500 are foreign nationals. Kumara works for a subcontractor of HD Hyundai Heavy Industries. The company praised Kumara for his responsible attitude and the trust he has earned from his colleagues, noting that he is fulfilling his duties admirably as the first foreign team leader.
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Kumara first arrived in Korea in 2011 with an E-9 non-professional employment visa and began working for a subcontractor at the HD Hyundai Mipo shipyard in Ulsan. He joined his current employer in 2012 and has since spent over a decade at HD Hyundai Heavy Industries.
Recognized for his talent in ship painting, Kumara pursued his Korean dream while diligently studying the Korean language. He participated in in-house language courses and attended Korea Polytechnic University, eventually achieving the highest level (Level 5) in the Korean language proficiency test, qualifying him for permanent residency or naturalization.
In September 2023, Kumara was honored with the Outstanding Shipbuilding and Marine Person Award at the 20th Shipbuilding and Marine Day event, highlighting his exceptional skills and leadership.
“Kumara’s fluency in Korean and his superior painting skills made him an ideal candidate for the team leader position,” an HD Hyundai Heavy Industries official said.
