‘Kelani Shakthi’ energising Jaffna youth bestows certificates to first batch of students

The first batch of ‘Kelani Shakthi’ receiving their certificates. From left: ‘Kelani Shakthi’ Course Director T. Thiruwaran, Jaffna University Engineering Faculty Dean Dr. A. Athpothurajah, University of Jaffna Vice Chancellor Senior Professor Wasanthi Arsaratnam, Kelani Cables Director/CEO Mahinda Saranapala, Kelani Cables General Manager Marketing Anil Munasinghe, Brand Development Manager Channa Jayasinghe and Sales Coordinator Ralph Roshan

In a bid to groom youth in the Jaffna peninsula as electrical technicians, Kelani Cables PLC launched the ‘Kelani Shakthi’ one-year professional development program. 

The first batch of students on completing this training program received their certificates at a function held at the Jaffna University Engineering Faculty in Kilinochchi. 

The occasion was graced by Vice Chancellor of Jaffna University Senior Professor Wasanthi Arsaratnam, Kelani Cables PLC Director/CEO Mahinda Saranapala, Jaffna University Engineering Faculty Dean Dr. A. Athpothurajah, Kelani Cables PLC General Manager, Marketing Anil Munasinghe and ‘Kelani Shakthi’ Course Director T. Thiruwaran.

Fifty school leavers who selected electrical technical field as self-employment were bestowed with internationally-recognised certificates to endorse their know-how in domestic and industrial electrical wire laying. The event was organised by the Jaffna University Engineering Faculty. 

This coincided with the selection of 50 students by short listing thousands of applications as the second batch of ‘Kelani Shakthi’.

‘Kelani Shakthi’ professional development program was initiated by ‘Kelani Saviya’ and ‘Kelani Shakthi’ Program Coordinator Jayantha Wijesinghe and Dr. Athpothurajah with the blessings of Saranapala.

Presentation of certificates to the first batch of students was attended by Brand Development Manager Channa Jayasinghe, Sales Manager (Exports) Devinda Lorensuhewa, Sales Manager (Power and Energy) Rohana Wadduwage, Sales Controller Ralph Roshan, Human Resources Manager Gihan Vidanagama, Zonal Sales Manager K.A. Rajkumar and Assistant Sales Manager P.M.K. de Silva with the senior management of Kelani Cables PLC.

Saranapala  stressed at the event, although Kelani Cables engages in various CSR programs throughout the year, ‘Kelani Saviya’ and ‘Kelani Shakthi’ CSR programs are unique to the company. 

He said: “School leaving students and novices who aspire to become self-employed electrical technicians are given an opportunity by ‘Kelani Saviya’ and ‘Kelani Shakthi’ to gear themselves with a comprehensive knowledge in domestic and industrial electrical wiring laying and installation. In addition, they are awarded with a globally acceptable certificate. We as a Sri Lankan company are proud to be a part of this endeavour. I wish these youngsters for a bright future with this newly gained knowledge. ‘Kelani Shakthi’ program would also add a great impact towards nurturing cordial relationships and brotherhood with the people in the north.”

The LLRC Report made to suggest reliefs for war-stricken populous in the north has identified and suggested forming government and private sector collaborative ventures of financial importance a must. ‘Kelani Shakthi’ program is perfectly in harmony with the parameters of these collaborative ventures suggested by the LLRC Report.   

‘Kelani Saviya’ CSR program in association with the engineering faculty of the Peradeniya University has been progressing since 2007. ‘Kelani Shakthi’ program spearheaded by Jaffna University is an extension of ‘Kelani Saviya’. 

The program was designed to enhance skills of self-employed electrical technicians and school leavers to be groomed as electrical technicians. 

The MOU in regard to ‘Kelani Shakthi’ was signed last year between Arsaratnam and Mahinda.

Arsaratnam said Sri Lankan companies should contribute towards rejuvenating lives of youth in the north. “The whole of the north should pay gratitude to Kelani Cables for pioneering to fulfill this need. We are happy to announce Jaffa University will do the necessary value additions to make this a comprehensive program in the future,” she said.

Kelani Cables PLC is a 100% Sri Lankan company serving the nation for 47 years manufacturing electrical and communication cables. The company achieved “Super Brands” status in the electrical and telecommunication sector in 2008 for professional supremacy it demonstrated in the electrical and communication cables sphere.