AutoCAD Course in Sri Lanka
Precision Drawing Skills for Engineering, Construction, and Design
Ceylon Open Campus offers a practical AutoCAD course in Sri Lanka for engineers, architects, quantity surveyors, and technical professionals. Learn 2D drafting and 3D modelling with Autodesk AutoCAD — industry-standard software used on every construction project in Sri Lanka and internationally.
Why AutoCAD Skills Are Essential in Sri Lanka's Construction Industry
Sri Lanka's construction sector is one of the most active in the economy. Infrastructure development — roads, bridges, housing schemes, and commercial buildings — proceeds at scale in all provinces. The government's Road Development Authority, Urban Development Authority, and National Water Supply and Drainage Board all produce and consume CAD drawings. Private developers in Colombo, Kandy, and the Eastern Province similarly require AutoCAD-literate staff at every stage of a project.
In the Eastern Province specifically, post-conflict reconstruction and new housing and infrastructure development has created consistent demand for CAD-trained technical staff. A professional who can produce accurate construction drawings using AutoCAD is employable at a local engineering firm, a Colombo-based consultancy, or a Gulf construction company — all of which actively recruit from Sri Lanka.
AutoCAD proficiency is also a prerequisite for progressing to more advanced BIM (Building Information Modelling) tools such as Autodesk Revit, which is increasingly specified on larger projects. The CAD course at Ceylon Open Campus gives you the foundational technical drawing skills that make BIM training accessible and productive.
Course Modules: What You Will Learn
AutoCAD Interface and Navigation
Setting up the workspace, understanding coordinate systems, using UCS, keyboard shortcuts, and efficient drawing navigation techniques.
2D Drawing and Editing
Lines, arcs, polylines, hatching, blocks and attributes, OFFSET, TRIM, EXTEND, FILLET, CHAMFER, ARRAY, MIRROR, and construction geometry.
Layers and Drawing Standards
Creating and managing layers, applying line weights and colours per Sri Lankan and international drawing convention standards, and organising complex drawings.
Dimensioning and Annotation
Adding linear, angular, radial, and ordinate dimensions; dimension styles; multiline text; leaders; tables; and preparing drawings for review.
Layouts, Paper Space, and Plotting
Setting up model space and paper space, creating viewports, applying plot styles, and producing A1/A3 drawings ready for printing and submission.
AutoCAD 3D Modelling (Diploma)
Solid and surface modelling, Boolean operations, 3D navigation, rendering materials and lighting, and extracting 2D drawing views from 3D models.
Programs, Duration, and Fees
| Program | Duration | Fee (LKR) | Mode |
|---|---|---|---|
| Certificate in AutoCAD Fundamentals (2D) | 3 months | 55,000 | Full-time / Part-time |
| Diploma in AutoCAD 2D and 3D Design | 5 months | 95,000 | Full-time / Part-time |
Career Outcomes and Salary Ranges
| Role | Entry (LKR/month) | Experienced (LKR/month) |
|---|---|---|
| CAD Technician / Drafter | 50,000 – 75,000 | 100,000 – 160,000 |
| Structural / Civil Drawing Technician | 55,000 – 80,000 | 110,000 – 175,000 |
| Architectural Drafter | 50,000 – 75,000 | 100,000 – 165,000 |
| CAD Engineer (Consultancy) | 75,000 – 110,000 | 150,000 – 250,000 |
| Freelance CAD Drafter (Gulf / Remote) | 150,000+ | 250,000 – 450,000 |
AutoCAD and Quantity Surveying: A Powerful Combination
Quantity surveyors who add AutoCAD to their toolkit are considerably more productive and command better positions. Being able to read and annotate CAD drawings directly — rather than working from paper prints — speeds up measurement taking and reduces errors. Several employers in the construction sector specifically seek QS professionals who are AutoCAD-literate. If you are studying quantity surveying or considering it, the AutoCAD course is a recommended addition to your qualifications.
Related Programs at Ceylon Open Campus
Frequently Asked Questions
What is AutoCAD and which industries use it in Sri Lanka?
AutoCAD is Autodesk's computer-aided design software used for creating precise 2D technical drawings and 3D models. In Sri Lanka, it is used extensively in civil and structural engineering, architecture, quantity surveying, mechanical engineering, interior design, and the construction sector. Government infrastructure projects, private housing developments, road and bridge projects, and commercial building fit-outs all require AutoCAD-competent professionals.
What are the entry requirements for the AutoCAD course?
Five O/L passes are the minimum requirement. A background in mathematics, technical drawing, or any engineering-related subject is helpful but not mandatory. The course is designed to take beginners to a professional standard, so no prior CAD experience is needed. Students already enrolled in civil engineering, quantity surveying, or architecture programs at other institutions frequently take this course alongside their main qualification to strengthen their practical skills.
Does the AutoCAD course cover 3D modelling or just 2D drafting?
The Certificate in AutoCAD Fundamentals focuses on 2D drafting — layers, dimensions, annotation, plotting, and construction drawing conventions. The Diploma program extends into AutoCAD 3D modelling, including solid modelling, surface modelling, rendering, and model-based documentation. For students working in architecture and structural engineering, the 3D module is particularly valuable. Students interested in more advanced BIM-based 3D work can progress to the Revit course.
How long is the AutoCAD course and what does it cost at Ceylon Open Campus?
The Certificate in AutoCAD Fundamentals (2D) is a three-month program costing LKR 55,000. The Diploma in AutoCAD 2D and 3D Design is a five-month program costing LKR 95,000. Both programs include access to AutoCAD software on campus computers. Morning, evening, and weekend sessions are available, with monthly installments from LKR 18,000.
What salary can an AutoCAD drafter or CAD technician earn in Sri Lanka?
Entry-level CAD technicians and drafters in Sri Lanka typically earn LKR 50,000–80,000 per month. With two or three years of experience on real construction projects, salaries rise to LKR 90,000–150,000. Experienced CAD engineers and design coordinators working on large infrastructure or commercial projects can earn LKR 160,000–250,000. Freelance CAD drafters serving overseas clients — common in the Gulf region and UK — frequently earn LKR 200,000–400,000 per month working remotely.
Is AutoCAD useful if I am studying quantity surveying?
Absolutely. Quantity surveyors who can read and produce AutoCAD drawings are significantly more employable than those who cannot. Being able to extract dimensions directly from CAD files eliminates the need for manual scaling from paper drawings and speeds up bill-of-quantities preparation considerably. Ceylon Open Campus offers AutoCAD training that is specifically relevant to the quantity surveying workflow, and it is recommended for all QS students.
Enrol in the AutoCAD Course at Ceylon Open Campus
Contact us to check current intake dates and reserve your place in the next cohort.
Phone
075 922 0083
coc.ceylon@gmail.com
Campus
Kattankudy, Sri Lanka