Sri Lanka is stepping up efforts to professionalize its renewable energy and technical workforce, with new regulations making National Vocational Qualifications (NVQ) mandatory for solar power and refrigeration technicians by 2030.

According to the Public Utilities Commission of Sri Lanka (PUCSL), community demand for renewable energy is rising sharply, with the government targeting 70% renewable energy by 2030. To achieve this, about 600 megawatts of solar capacity must be added annually to the national grid. Already, more than 1,000 companies are licensed to import and install solar systems, employing around 10,000 workers. However, most lack recognized professional certification.

To bridge this gap, the Sri Lanka Sustainable Energy Authority and the Public Utilities Commission of Sri Lanka have launched a program to train 5,000 solar technicians and 100 inspectors annually. So far, 1,500 technicians have been trained, with a fast‑track scheme now awarding NVQ Level 3 qualifications free of charge to those with more than two years’ industry experience.

The Institution of Engineers Sri Lanka has gazetted regulations requiring NVQ Level 3 as the minimum qualification for solar technicians between Jan. 1, 2028 and Dec. 31, 2029. From Jan. 1, 2030, technicians must hold NVQ Level 4 in solar technology and be registered as engineering technicians. The PUCSL states that this will raise professional standards, ensure electrical safety, and support national renewable energy goals.

Parallel reforms are underway in the cooling sector. The National Ozone Unit of the Environment Ministry, together with the Public Utilities Commission, is offering free NVQ 3 and NVQ 4 qualifications to refrigeration, air conditioning, and vehicle air conditioning technicians. Regulations imposed on July 7, 2026 require NVQ Level 3 by 2028, with NVQ Level 4 and registration with the Institution of Engineers mandatory from 2030.

Authorities expect these measures to elevate technical standards, enhance safety, and contribute to both renewable energy targets and environmental protection goals. (Newswire)

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Prime Minister and Minister of Education, Higher Education and Vocational Education Harini Amarasuriya has reaffirmed the government’s commitment to strengthening vocational education, stating that investments in the sector aim to create a human resource capable of directly contributing to national economic development.

She made these remarks at a ceremony held at the BMICH in Colombo to mark the milestone of awarding one million National Vocational Qualification (NVQ) certificates by the Tertiary and Vocational Education Commission (TVEC).

At the event, awards were presented to vocational and technical training institutions that contributed to the achievement, while the Prime Minister personally handed over the one-millionth NVQ certificate to a student.

PM Amarasuriya emphasized that the milestone reflects the dedication of young men and women across the country: “This is not just a milestone celebration. Behind these 10 lakh NVQ certificates are 10 lakh young men and women. What we celebrate today is their hard work, dedication, and the moment their future dreams became reality.”

She noted that ongoing education reforms place special focus on vocational training, with plans to integrate vocational pathways into schools and extend them to higher education. The government is also introducing the concept of life‑long learning, enabling students and adults to continue education at different stages of life.

A five‑year plan for the sector has already been introduced, which includes major investments to upgrade infrastructure and ensure quality in vocational education centers. The Prime Minister welcomed the private sector’s role in building human resources and highlighted plans to provide industrial training opportunities for students pursuing vocational education at Advanced Level.

Deputy Minister of Vocational Education Nalin Hewage, addressing the gathering, underscored the sector’s responsibility in national development. He stressed that policymakers must ensure every student is guided into a structured educational path and announced plans for a nationwide awareness programme on the value of vocational education. (Newswire)

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