Access to dependable energy sources is essential for fostering education, promoting development, and advancing community well-being. Gunda Power emphasizes that genuine power extends beyond mere electricity generation; it encompasses the hope, opportunities, and transformative changes that can enhance people’s lives. Through its primary Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) initiative, titled “From Light to Life,” Gunda Power is dedicated to improving rural education in Sri Lanka by delivering clean, reliable, and sustainable solar energy solutions to schools and surrounding communities.
As per the most recent School Census, Sri Lanka is home to 10,047 government schools, which include 396 National Schools and 9,651 Provincial Schools, catering to around 3.7 million students. While numerous schools enjoy access to electricity, many rural and underprivileged institutions continue to encounter obstacles due to financial constraints, elevated electricity costs, and insufficient access to modern educational technologies. These challenges can significantly hinder students’ experiences in safe, innovative, and technology-driven learning environments.
Understanding the critical need for equitable educational opportunities, Gunda Power launched the “From Light to Life” initiative as a comprehensive social development program that transcends the mere installation of solar panels. This initiative integrates clean energy, educational advancement, environmental stewardship, and community engagement to foster sustainable benefits for future generations.
The first beneficiary of this initiative was R/B Vivegananda School located in Nonperiyal, Balangoda, chosen for its rural setting, the economic hardships faced by students’ families, and the substantial benefits that clean solar energy could bring. This school educates 38 students from Grade 1 to Grade 9, comprising 20 boys and 18 girls, supported by a team of 9 teachers and 4 non-academic staff members.
By implementing a solar power system, Gunda Power aims to lower the school’s electricity costs while enhancing the educational environment. This project will facilitate improved access to digital learning resources, increase awareness of renewable energy, and promote sustainable practices. Additionally, by diminishing reliance on traditional energy sources, the initiative contributes to reducing carbon emissions and fostering environmental consciousness among students, teachers, and the broader community.
The essence of “From Light to Life” is that light signifies more than electricity; it symbolizes knowledge, hope, opportunity, and a brighter future. The program is guided by the principle:
Social Impact = (Clean Energy + Educational Development + Community Participation) × Long-Term Sustainability
This methodology guarantees that each project yields enduring benefits that extend well beyond the initial solar installations. Gunda Power aims to empower 10 rural schools by the year 2030, positively impacting thousands of students and contributing to the development of environmentally responsible “Green Schools” throughout Sri Lanka.
The project initiation involves identifying schools in greatest need, evaluating their energy demands, and designing appropriate solar solutions. The program also emphasizes renewable energy education, sustainability awareness, and community engagement to ensure its long-term success. All solar installations under this initiative are carried out by Sunterra, Gunda Power’s reliable technical partner, ensuring the delivery of safe, efficient, and high-quality renewable energy solutions. This hybrid solar system guarantees the school uninterrupted electricity access.
Through “From Light to Life,” Gunda Power reinforces the notion that renewable energy is not solely about powering educational institutions; it is also about empowering children, strengthening communities, safeguarding the environment, and paving the way for a brighter, more sustainable future for Sri Lanka.
Image Caption: Certificate presentation to the school Principal. (Guests standing from left to right) MR. Nirash Goonewardena – MD, Gunda Power Pvt Ltd, MR. K. Amith Sanju – Principal, R/B Vivegananda School, Nonperiyal, Balangoda, Dr. Nevil Goonewardena – Director, Gunda Power Pvt Ltd, MR. Padmadewa – Project Head, Sustainable Energy Authority, Ms. Tracy Cao – Director, Gunda Power Pvt Ltd
Financial Chronicle Biz English | Sri Lanka Business News.
