New electrician licensing rules implemented this year

Colombo, Jan. 22 (Daily Mirror) - The Electrician Licensing System aimed at enhancing electrical safety and professional standards in the electricity sector has been implemented from this year under the provisions of the Sri Lanka Electricity Act and the Sri Lanka Engineering Council Act.

The Public Utilities Commission of Sri Lanka (PUCSL), which is responsible for regulating and standardizing the country’s electricity industry, said the new system is intended to improve safety and service quality across electricity generation, transmission and distribution, while ensuring that internal wiring systems in houses and buildings meet approved standards.

Under the Supply Service Code issued to electricity distribution licensees the Ceylon Electricity Board and Ceylon Electricity Private Limited electrical installations connected to the national grid must be carried out by recognized and qualified electricians.

According to a special Gazette notification issued by the Sri Lanka Engineering Council, electricians with at least a National Vocational Qualification Level 3 (NVQ3) in Electrical Engineering will be recognized as qualified electricians from 2026 until December 31, 2029. From 2030 onwards, only technicians with NVQ Level 4 or higher qualifications in Electrical Engineering will be recognized as qualified electrical technicians.

Accordingly, from this year, only electricians holding NVQ3 or higher qualifications will be eligible to install electrical wiring systems in houses and buildings connected to the national electricity grid.

Recognizing that many electricians currently engaged in the industry do not possess NVQ qualifications, the PUCSL has launched a special program to facilitate their recognition through the Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) system. Under this initiative, electricians with relevant experience will be fast-tracked to obtain NVQ Level 3 qualifications.

As part of the program, candidates will receive a two-day special training course prior to the final examination. The PUCSL will bear the examination fees, which had previously been a major obstacle, while training for the examination will be provided free of charge. Electricians will also be able to sit for the examination in their district of residence.

The PUCSL said the program will help raise industry standards while enabling electricians to advance professionally. The nationally and internationally recognized qualification is also expected to open up local and overseas employment opportunities.

To implement the accelerated program, the PUCSL has signed memoranda of understanding with the Engineering Council of Sri Lanka, the Tertiary and Vocational Education Commission, the Vocational Training Authority of Sri Lanka, the National Apprenticeship and Technical Training Authority, and the Faculty of Engineering of the University of Jaffna.

Further information can be obtained from Director of Corporate Communications Jayanath Herath on 077 294 3193.