Sri Lanka is moving to strengthen mandatory professional qualification requirements for technicians working in the solar, refrigeration and air-conditioning sectors, as authorities seek to improve technical standards and safety.
According to information attributed to the Public Utilities Commission of Sri Lanka, the reforms involve phased National Vocational Qualification requirements for technicians, with higher qualification and professional-registration requirements planned by 2030.
The solar sector has expanded rapidly as Sri Lanka increases the use of renewable energy.
Authorities say this growth has created a need for a larger workforce of properly trained and professionally recognised technicians who can install and maintain systems safely.
The Public Utilities Commission of Sri Lanka and the Sri Lanka Sustainable Energy Authority have therefore been supporting programmes aimed at training solar technicians and inspectors.
The programme is reported to target training approximately 5,000 solar technicians and 100 inspectors annually.
Around 1,500 technicians are reported to have already received training.
A fast-track route is also being used to help experienced workers obtain recognised NVQ qualifications.
Under the reported transition for solar technicians, NVQ Level 3 is expected to operate as the minimum qualification during the transitional period, followed by NVQ Level 4 and professional registration requirements from 2030.
Authorities are pursuing similar professionalisation in the refrigeration and air-conditioning sector.
The National Ozone Unit of the Environment Ministry and the Public Utilities Commission have been supporting access to NVQ Level 3 and Level 4 qualifications for technicians working in refrigeration, air conditioning and vehicle air-conditioning systems.
The broader direction is consistent with PUCSL's existing policy of moving electrical technical work toward recognised vocational qualifications and professional registration.
PUCSL's published requirements for electricians already provide for mandatory NVQ qualifications and Engineering Council registration under a phased framework.
For the specialised solar and cooling sectors, however, the precise qualification, commencement date and legal instrument applicable to each category should be interpreted according to the relevant regulations governing that particular occupation.
The changes are intended to improve electrical and technical safety, raise professional standards and build the skilled workforce required for Sri Lanka's renewable-energy and environmental goals.
For consumers, a more formal qualification system could also make it easier to identify technicians who have undergone recognised training.