Art of Living Concludes Advanced Solar & Electrical Teachers Training Program for Sri Lankan Instructors at Bengaluru International Center

Bengaluru, India — In a significant stride toward skill development and youth empowerment in Sri Lanka, the Art of Living Foundation, through its rural development arm—the Sri Sri Rural Development Program (SSRDP)—has successfully concluded an advanced Solar and Electrical Teachers Training Program at its International Center in Bengaluru.

More than 20 electrical instructors from government technical colleges across Sri Lanka, under the Department of Technical Education and Training, participated in this immersive program. Conducted in collaboration with Schneider Electric and GIZ, the initiative aims to enhance the quality of vocational education and strengthen job-readiness across the island nation.
This training is part of a broader mission to establish 10 modern skill development centers across Sri Lanka, of which four are already fully operational with cutting-edge solar and electrical training infrastructure. Each center will train between 700 to 800 students every six months, with a focus on hands-on, industry-aligned skills in electrical systems and renewable energy technologies.

Upon completion of the week-long training, a certificate distribution ceremony was held at the Art of Living International Center. The event was attended by several key dignitaries including Sri Prasana Prabhu, Chairman of the Sri Sri Rural Development Program and Sri Sri Institute of Agricultural Sciences & Technology Trust (SSIAST), India; Mr. S.C. Jagath, Director General of the Department of Technical Education and Training; 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, Art of Living Sri Lanka; Vimal Kanagalingam, Advisor for Partnerships and Coordination, Sri Lanka; and Yatendra Bhavana, Solution Engineer at Schneider Electric.

Speaking on the occasion, Mrs. Dimuthu Prabha Chandrasiri expressed her gratitude, stating that on behalf of Sri Lanka, she is thankful to Gurudev Sri Sri Ravi Shankar and the Sri Sri Rural Development Program, because of which 20 trainers—including three women—are now equipped to train thousands of youth in Sri Lanka in solar and electrical skills. She emphasized that this initiative would not only help reduce unemployment but also contribute significantly to the country’s economic growth.

Sri Prasana Prabhu, Chairman of SSRDP and SSIAST India, also addressed the gathering. He congratulated the trainers on their successful completion of the program and reassured the participants that the Art of Living’s Sri Sri Rural Development Program Trust will continue to conduct such skill development programs for Sri Lankan youth. He reiterated the organization’s commitment to providing all possible training support to reduce unemployment in the country. He also reminded participants that the most important thing in the world is themselves, and taking care of one’s mind and self should always be a priority. In this regard, he emphasized the power of Sudarshan Kriya and meditation as essential tools for mental and emotional well-being.
In addition to the technical curriculum, all instructors underwent The Art of Living’s Happiness Program, which includes transformative practices such as Sudarshan Kriya, meditation, and breathwork. This holistic approach not only enhances personal well-being but also prepares the participants to become compassionate, resilient, and inspiring mentors for the youth they will train.

Sharing his reflections on the initiative, Vimal , Advisor for Partnerships and Coordination, Sri Lanka, stated that as part of a private sector initiative, a collaborative partnership was formed with Schneider Electric and Art of Living. This collaboration created the opportunity for Sri Lankan trainers to enhance their technical knowledge in solar technology. He noted that beyond acquiring technical skills, the participants also experienced the passion and essence of life through the Art of Living’s Happiness Program. He emphasized that this experience will empower the trainers to not only transform their own lives but also shape the lives of their students, particularly in a nation like Sri Lanka that has endured years of internal conflict and crisis.
Mr. S.C. Jagath, Director General of the Department of Technical Education and Training, shared his thoughts on the visit, calling it a truly inspiring experience. He explained that the participants represent instructors from 39 technical colleges across Sri Lanka, and now that they have received solar training, they will return to deliver this upgraded knowledge to their students—ultimately benefiting the country’s technical education landscape.

This initiative reflects the vision of Gurudev Sri Sri Ravi Shankar, which he reaffirmed during his visit to Sri Lanka last year. He emphasized the Foundation’s unwavering commitment to supporting the youth and contributing to the national development of Sri Lanka. By addressing key challenges such as unemployment, lack of vocational skills, and substance abuse, this initiative empowers educators to uplift the next generation with skills, values, and a sense of purpose.

Through this collaborative effort with Schneider Electric and GIZ, the Art of Living Foundation is creating a ripple effect—empowering educators today to transform communities tomorrow, while laying the foundation for a sustainable, skilled, and self-reliant Sri Lanka.