This story is part of Welcome to Canada, a CBC News series about immigration told through the eyes of the people who have experienced it.

Cheryl Digby was touring a string of prospective immigrants through her sewing factory in southern Manitoba, when one guest left her surprised.

Lasitha Pathirana, a Sri Lankan looking to immigrate to Morden, Man., picked up a piece of fabric and identified the weave instantly. He spoke about the right materials to protect the wearer from fires, and he knew the …