Sri Lanka CEB officials get solar training in India as a 30-member delegation from the country’s power utility participated in a specialised capacity-building programme aimed at strengthening expertise in the rapidly evolving solar energy sector.
Sri Lanka CEB officials get solar training in India to boost expertise
The two-week programme, held from March 9 to 21 at the NTPC School of Business in Noida, India, was designed to equip engineers from the Ceylon Electricity Board (CEB) with practical and up-to-date knowledge across key segments of solar energy development. The initiative forms part of ongoing bilateral cooperation between Sri Lanka and India in the energy sector, with a focus on enhancing technical competencies and fostering long-term collaboration.
Participants were exposed to a comprehensive curriculum covering photovoltaic (PV) technologies, energy storage systems, grid integration, project implementation, and performance monitoring. The programme combined theoretical instruction with practical insights, offering engineers a holistic understanding of solar power deployment and management in real-world conditions.
A key highlight of the training was a series of field visits to major energy facilities in India. Delegates visited the Dadri Power Plant, a multi-source facility that integrates thermal, gas, and solar power generation, providing a unique example of diversified energy production within a single complex. The exposure enabled participants to observe how different energy systems can operate in tandem to ensure grid stability and efficiency.
The delegation also toured NETRA, NTPC’s research and development centre, where cutting-edge innovations in clean energy are being tested and deployed. The facility features a microgrid, battery energy storage systems, and pilot projects in green hydrogen—areas that are increasingly relevant as countries transition towards low-carbon energy systems. These site visits were intended to bridge the gap between classroom learning and practical application, offering engineers direct exposure to emerging technologies shaping the future of energy.
According to the High Commission of India in Colombo, the programme contributed significantly to strengthening professional competencies among Sri Lankan engineers. It also facilitated knowledge exchange between the two countries, reinforcing institutional linkages and supporting government-to-government cooperation in the energy domain.
The initiative comes at a critical time as Sri Lanka continues to expand its renewable energy capacity in response to rising demand and sustainability targets. Solar power has emerged as a key component of the country’s energy mix, with policymakers prioritising investments in infrastructure, technology, and human capital to accelerate adoption.
The training programme is part of a broader commitment by India to support capacity building in Sri Lanka. Under this framework, India has pledged to offer 700 customised training slots annually for Sri Lankan professionals across various sectors. This includes energy, infrastructure, and technical fields, reflecting a strategic approach to strengthening bilateral ties through skills development and knowledge sharing.
Industry observers note that such initiatives are essential for ensuring that Sri Lanka’s energy workforce is equipped to manage increasingly complex and technology-driven systems. As renewable energy projects scale up, the need for specialised expertise in areas such as grid integration, storage solutions, and performance optimisation becomes more pronounced.
The exposure gained through the programme is expected to have a multiplier effect, as trained engineers apply their knowledge within the CEB and contribute to future projects. This, in turn, could enhance operational efficiency, improve project outcomes, and support the country’s transition towards a more sustainable energy framework.
Furthermore, the programme underscores the growing importance of regional cooperation in addressing energy challenges. By sharing expertise and best practices, countries in the region can accelerate the adoption of clean energy technologies while ensuring energy security and economic resilience.
With Sri Lanka CEB officials get solar training in India serving as a practical example of such collaboration, stakeholders anticipate continued engagement between the two nations in advancing renewable energy initiatives. The combination of technical training, field exposure, and institutional partnerships is expected to play a pivotal role in shaping the future of Sri Lanka’s energy sector.