In a powerful step toward transforming vocational education in Sri Lanka, the Sri Sri Rural Development Program (SSRDP) has successfully concluded an Advanced Solar & Electrical Teachers Training Program at its training facilities in the Bengaluru International Center.
This impactful initiative, organized in collaboration with Schneider Electric and GIZ, brought together over 20 instructors from government technical colleges across Sri Lanka. It is part of SSRDP’s larger vision to empower underserved communities, address unemployment, and strengthen national capabilities through holistic, skill-based training.
A Mission Inspired by Ground Reality
SSRDP’s focus on skill development in Sri Lanka is deeply rooted in the organization’s mission to provide sustainable livelihoods in rural and conflict-affected regions. This particular initiative took shape following Gurudev Sri Sri Ravi Shankar’s visit to Sri Lanka, where the pressing need for youth empowerment and vocational upskilling was evident.
In response, SSRDP initiated a long-term strategy: to establish ten modern skill development centers across Sri Lanka, equipped with world-class infrastructure for solar and electrical training. Four centers are already operational, and each is expected to train 700 to 800 students every six months—creating a robust pipeline of job-ready, technically skilled youth.
Training the Trainers
This week-long program in Bengaluru focused on capacity building for Sri Lankan instructors, who are now equipped to deliver advanced solar and electrical training back home. These instructors represent 39 government technical colleges and will now serve as catalysts in upgrading the country’s vocational education ecosystem.
The technical modules covered a wide range of practical and industry-aligned topics—from solar installations to electrical safety systems and energy efficiency. Designed in collaboration with Schneider Electric, the curriculum aimed to ensure that the participants were not just knowledgeable, but industry-ready.
Beyond Technical Skills
SSRDP’s training model emphasizes holistic development. As part of the program, instructors were introduced to SSRDP’s integrated approach to education and leadership. Participants took part in sessions that addressed stress management, mental resilience, and values-based leadership, preparing them not only to teach, but to inspire.
Many participants also experienced the benefits of breathwork, meditation, and emotional well-being techniques. These practices are part of SSRDP’s broader educational framework, which has long recognized that personal development is essential to professional excellence.
Recognizing Achievements
The training concluded with a certificate distribution ceremony held at the Art of Living International Center, attended by key dignitaries from both India and Sri Lanka:
- Sri Prasana Prabhu, Chairman, SSRDP and SSIAST, India
- Mr. S.C. Jagath, Director General, Department of Technical Education and Training, Sri Lanka
- Mrs. W.M.D. Kumari, Director (Planning), Department of Technical Education and Training
- Mrs. Dimuthu Prabha Chandrasiri, Director (Vocational Training), Ministry of Education, Higher Education & Vocational Education
- Swami Sarveshwar, Country Coordinator, SSRDP Sri Lanka
- Vimal Kanagalingam, Advisor for Partnerships and Coordination, Sri Lanka
- Yatendra Bhavana, Solution Engineer, Schneider Electric
Speaking at the event, Mrs. Dimuthu Prabha Chandrasiri acknowledged the long-term impact of such training programs, stating that the instructors are now well-prepared to train thousands of youth, especially in renewable energy skills—contributing to both employment and national progress.
A Vision for Long-Term Impact
At the heart of this initiative lies SSRDP’s commitment to decentralized, grassroots skill development. The idea is simple but powerful: train the teachers, and they’ll train the nation. With the right tools, curriculum, and support systems, instructors can uplift entire communities—especially in regions where access to modern education is limited.
Sri Prasana Prabhu, Chairman of SSRDP, emphasized this ripple effect: “When we train one instructor, we’re enabling them to change the lives of hundreds of students. This is how we multiply impact—through empowered educators.”
He also reiterated SSRDP’s ongoing commitment to supporting such programs, ensuring that youth in Sri Lanka continue to have access to high-quality, industry-ready vocational education, combined with inner resilience and leadership training.
A Model of Collaborative Action
While SSRDP led the initiative, the success of this program was also made possible through strong partnerships. Technical expertise from Schneider Electric, international collaboration with GIZ, and government support from Sri Lankan departments have all played a crucial role.
Vimal Kanagalingam, Advisor for Partnerships and Coordination, noted, “This program is a model for how the public, private, and civil society sectors can collaborate to create long-term, sustainable solutions. These trainers return not just with technical expertise, but with a renewed sense of purpose and personal growth.”
As Sri Lanka continues its journey toward recovery and growth, initiatives like these are more important than ever. With challenges like youth unemployment, lack of vocational training, and economic instability, the need for scalable and impactful solutions is urgent.
SSRDP’s work stands out because it addresses both the technical and human aspects of education—bridging the gap between skills and self-worth, between employability and empowerment.
Through this latest program, SSRDP has once again demonstrated its ability to create high-impact, replicable models of rural development, centered on skill-building, partnerships, and purpose-driven training.