Kelani Cables Flagship CSR projects - Kelani Saviya & Kelani Shakthi

16, January 2025

Kelani legacy

As a world class power and telecommunication cables manufacturing company that is recognised for no compromise quality, Kelani Cables understands that a qualified and skilled labour force is necessary to ensure complete safety in the field. Kelani Saviya was initiated in 2007 to empower self-employed electricians in Sri Lanka with a recognised qualification that is accepted across the world. This project which aligns with the core values of the company, has become the Kelani legacy, as one of the longest running CSR projects in Sri Lanka.

Recognising electricians as their core brand community, KCL initiated the project to uplift the knowledge of electricians in both domestic and industrial areas of the construction industry and to provide them with a valid certification. Except during the pandemic lockdown, Kelani Saviya as run continuously since its inception in 2007.

The CSR project – the longest running project of this kind

The fundamental aim of Kelani Saviya is to provide Sri Lanka with a skilled labour force in this important and vital field. Roughly 50% of electricians in this country are not professionally qualified and basically learn on the job with rudimentary knowledge being passed down from electrician to electrician. As a result most of these self-taught electricians are unaware of the theoretical background of domestic and industrial wiring installations and the application processes.

While the knowledge and skill these self-employed electricians possess should be appreciated, the reality is that they generally have no deeper understanding of how power is transmitted from one end to another or the mechanisms of the power installation process, which makes it nearly impossible for them to find employment with professional companies in Sri Lanka or abroad. Electrical licenses and certifications are mandatory when seeking employment in other countries.

Countering the lack of proper certifications

The lack of proper certification prompted the KCL management team to initiate strong collaborative links with the Electrical and Electronic Engineering Department of the Faculty of Engineering, University of Peradeniya. On the 19^th of January 2007, an MOU was signed to launch the Kelani Saviya CSR program.

The entire one year course was designed by Electrical and Electronic Engineering Prof. Janaka Ekanayake. It consists of nine modules which include theory and practical sessions. An exam is held every three months which gages each student’s eligibility to move onto Levels 2 and 3. Students who successfully complete the exams are awarded with an internationally recognised certificate from the University of Peradeniya.

As the Kelani Saviya project exceeded expectations, in 2014 Kelani Shakthi the Tamil language version was introduced in affiliation with the University of Jaffna. This too is a course spanning one year, with exams held every three months. Students who successfully complete each level and pass the final exam are awarded an internationally recognised certification from the University of Jaffna.

The Lessons Learnt and Reconciliation Commission (LLRC) described Kelani Shakthi as ‘perfectly in harmony with the parameters of these collaborative ventures suggested by the LLRC report’. This project too continues successfully alongside Kelani Saviya.

How the program works

These CSR projects are completely funded by Kelani Cable Ltd which acts as a strategic program that links government universities with electricians to help them gain recognised qualifications. The selection process is handled unilaterally by the universities with absolutely no interferences from the company.

The course content is also determined by the universities to provide a comprehensive background and understanding while also being dynamic to always reflect the current requirements in the field of electrical and electronic engineering. At present there is an increasing demand for solar installation engineering and so the course includes practical technical training through workshops. Further, KCL has provided funding to upgrade the Jaffna University lab.

Why Kelani cables is so passionate about this

As the number one company in Sri Lanka for manufacturing electrical and communication cables KCL is passionate about the electrical industry. This is reflected in the accolades and awards they have accumulated over the years in the field and even more so in their commitment to their CSR projects Kelani Saviya and Kelani Shakthi.

KCL is certified globally recognised under the ‘Responsible Care’ Charter, owing to its health and safety oriented culture and environmental stewardship. As such they understood the impact the lack of qualified electricians in Sri Lanka has as it leads to a lack of standardised safety in Sri Lanka. Providing Sri Lankan electricians with in depth knowledge, qualifications and recognised certifications helps to uplift their livelihoods and lives. It also ensures that Sri Lankan homes and industries are wired according to recognised safety standards. This is the Kelani legacy.

Future plans

Kelani Cables Ltd has grown from strength to strength owing to the perfect combination of quality, innovation and passion. These very elements are brought into their CSR projects which are dynamic and are continuously updated and formulated to meet modern requirements and standards. This will guarantee that all students who successfully complete the programs are geared and qualified to meet global requirements.

End Goal

Kelani Cables is constantly working towards making Kelani Saviya and Kelani Shakthi the best programs in the electrical industrial field to increase the number of qualified electricians in Sri Lanka. This in turn will promote safety for electricians and consumers and ensure that internationally recognised standards are met. Certifications that allow Sri Lankan electricians to be recognised internationally helps elevate their livelihoods while advancing and developing the electrical industry in Sri Lanka.

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