The European Union (EU), through the Accelerated Industries Climate Response Sri Lanka (AICRSL) Project implemented by UNIDO, has handed over advanced Solar PV training and demonstration equipment to five Technical Colleges in Sri Lanka. The initiative was formally marked at the Department of Technical Education & Training (DTET) in Colombo and was carried out in response to a request from the Public Utilities Commission of Sri Lanka (PUCSL).
The support will benefit Technical Colleges in Gampaha, Matara, Badulla, Warakapola, and Jaffna, strengthening the country’s renewable energy workforce by providing modern, hands-on training infrastructure. The equipment includes on-grid and off-grid solar demonstration systems, installation tools, and training setups that align with industry standards, helping institutions meet accreditation requirements for delivering certified Solar PV training programmes.
Officials noted that this intervention is critical as Sri Lanka expands its renewable energy capacity, with a strong focus on ensuring safety, quality installations, and a skilled workforce. PUCSL highlighted that strengthening technical education is essential to meeting national energy targets and ensuring the long-term sustainability of the solar energy sector.
The Public Utilities Commission of Sri Lanka began strengthening Solar PV training in 2023 as part of efforts to build a structured national system for renewable energy skills development. With this latest EU support, the number of accredited Solar PV training centres facilitated by PUCSL has increased to eight, widening access to practical training opportunities across the country.
According to the Director General of DTET, the upgraded infrastructure will help overcome long-standing challenges in meeting accreditation standards and will enable institutions to deliver higher-quality, industry-relevant training. This will ensure that students graduate with practical skills aligned with the needs of Sri Lanka’s growing renewable energy market.
The EU’s contribution under the AICRSL Project reflects its broader commitment to sustainable industrial development and climate action in Sri Lanka. The Rs. 2.8 billion (€7.56 million) initiative, funded under the Global Climate Change Alliance+, aims to support a 13 per cent reduction in industrial greenhouse gas emissions by 2035. Implemented in partnership with the Sri Lankan government and UNIDO, the project also receives support from key national ministries working in environment, industry, and energy sectors.
