New regulations require solar power and refrigeration technicians to hold National Vocational Qualifications, with a phased implementation beginning in 2028 as Sri Lanka works to meet its renewable energy targets.
Sri Lanka has introduced mandatory vocational qualification requirements for solar energy and refrigeration technicians as part of efforts to professionalize its technical workforce and support national renewable energy goals. The regulations, gazetted by the Institution of Engineers Sri Lanka and the Engineering Council of Sri Lanka, establish a phased timeline requiring NVQ Level 3 qualifications from January 1, 2028, through December 31, 2029, followed by mandatory NVQ Level 4 qualifications and registration with engineering bodies from January 1, 2030 onwards.
These measures address a significant gap in the current workforce. According to authorities, approximately 10,000 workers are employed across more than 1,000 licensed companies involved in solar system installation, yet most lack recognized professional certification. To support the transition, the Sri Lanka Sustainable Energy Authority and the Public Utilities Commission of Sri Lanka have launched a training programme targeting 5,000 solar technicians and 100 instructors annually. As of the reporting period, 1,500 technicians had completed training. A fast-track scheme allows technicians with more than two years of industry experience to obtain NVQ Level 3 qualifications at no cost through a Recognition of Prior Learning initiative.
Parallel regulations apply to the cooling sector, where the National Ozone Unit and Public Utilities Commission are offering free NVQ qualifications to refrigeration and air conditioning technicians under similar timelines. Authorities cite multiple rationales for the reforms, including raising professional standards, ensuring electrical safety, and supporting Sri Lanka's target of generating 70% of electricity from renewable sources by 2030. Achieving this goal requires adding approximately 600 megawatts of solar capacity annually to the national grid, a figure cited by both training authorities and energy planners.