Sri Lanka, a party to the Montreal Protocol since 1989, has phased out chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs) and is aiming to fully eliminate hydrochlorofluorocarbons (HCFCs) by 2030. Following the Kigali Amendment in 2016, the focus has shifted to reducing hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs), which contributes to global warming. HFCs will be phased down 80% by 2045. The country is transitioning to eco-friendly alternatives like hydrocarbons, ammonia, and carbon dioxide, which require technicians in refrigeration and air conditioning (RAC) and mobile air conditioning (MAC) to undergo specialized training due to challenges like flammability and toxicity.

In response, the Air Resource Management and National Ozone Unit (ARM and NOU) of the Ministry of Environment (MOE), in collaboration with the Public Utilities Commission of Sri Lanka (PUCSL), has launched a nationwide program to standardize and certify informal RAC & MAC technicians. A key milestone in this collaboration was the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) on January 23, 2023, to establish a comprehensive licensing system and provide free National Vocational Qualification Level 3 (NVQ level 3) certification for RAC and MAC technicians.

This initiative will empower technicians in two phases, starting with the Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) program, which allows uncertified but experienced technicians to obtain an NVQ certification. The Air Resource Management and National Ozone Unit of Ministry of Environment will cover the costs for assessments, training, and exam materials, while PUCSL will manage the training and operations. With this program in place all the RAC and MAC technicians will have the opportunity to obtain the national professional qualification free of charge.

As part of the program’s second phase, PUCSL and Air Resource Management and National Ozone Unit of Ministry of Environment will introduce an identification card issued by Engineering Council of Sri Lanka to RAC and MAC technicians who qualify through this program. Also, a National Licensing Framework for RAC and MAC technicians will be implemented after a sufficient number of technicians are professionally qualified.

This program, launched in early 2024, aims to qualify 600 informal technicians by year-end. So far, 300 technicians have successfully obtained NVQ level 3 certification, and another 300 applications are under processing. To celebrate this achievement, the Air Resource Management and National Ozone Unit of the Ministry of Environment, in collaboration with PUCSL, has organized a ceremony on October 24, 2024, at the Main Auditorium of the Ministry of Environment with the participation of Secretary of the Ministry of Environment, the Director General of PUCSL, officials from both organizations, and qualified technicians. The event will honor the 300 newly certified technicians and issue NVQ level 3 certificates and identification cards. The ceremony aims to highlight the technicians' contributions to the RAC and MAC sectors, promote the NVQ Level 3 certification throughout the sector, and encourage technicians to join this program.

Technicians who are interested in obtaining the NVQ Level 3 qualification can register by sending a WhatsApp message “RAC<space>Name” to 0719590950. This certification is offered free of charge through the Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) program.

The collaboration between PUCSL and the Ministry of Environment marks a significant step towards creating a skilled, certified workforce in the RAC and MAC sectors, promoting environmental sustainability, and ensuring public safety.

For further details:

Mr. Jayanat Herat, Director Corporate Communication of PUCSL (0772943193)

Mrs. H.D Aneesha Rukshini, Director Air Management and Ozone Unit of Ministry of Environment (0112034222)