Energy company Gunda Power has begun installing solar power systems in rural schools through its 'From Light to Life' corporate social responsibility programme, starting with a school in Balangoda.
Gunda Power has unveiled a corporate social responsibility initiative aimed at bringing solar energy to rural schools across Sri Lanka while simultaneously advancing technology-based learning and environmental consciousness. The programme, branded "From Light to Life," combines infrastructure development with educational outreach to address energy access challenges in underserved communities.
The initiative's inaugural beneficiary is R/B Vivegananda School in Nonperiyal, Balangoda, which serves 38 students spanning grades one through nine with support from nine teachers and four administrative staff members. According to Gunda Power, the school was selected due to its remote setting, the financial constraints affecting student families, and the expected benefits of reliable electricity access for digital learning tools.
The solar installation, being completed by technical partner Sunterra, features a hybrid system designed to ensure continuous power supply. The company anticipates the system will significantly lower the school's electricity expenses while enabling more consistent access to online educational resources. Beyond infrastructure, Gunda Power emphasises that the project introduces students to renewable energy technology and fosters environmentally sustainable practices within their communities.
Gunda Power has committed to expanding the "From Light to Life" programme to ten rural schools by 2030, with projections suggesting the initiative could positively impact thousands of students. The company framed the undertaking as extending beyond conventional corporate charity, instead integrating energy infrastructure, educational advancement, ecological awareness, and local community engagement.
