From Light to Life: Gunda Power’s CSR Initiative Illuminating Children’s Futures Through Solar Energy

Access to reliable energy plays a vital role in education, development, and community progress. Gunda Power believes that true power is not measured only by the electricity generated, but also by the hope, opportunities, and positive changes created in people’s lives. Through its flagship Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) initiative, “From Light to Life,” Gunda Power is working to transform rural education in Sri Lanka by providing clean, reliable, and sustainable solar energy solutions to schools and communities.

According to the latest School Census, Sri Lanka has 10,047 government schools—including 396 National Schools and 9,651 Provincial Schools—serving approximately 3.7 million students. While many schools have access to electricity, some rural and under-resourced schools continue to face challenges due to financial limitations, high electricity costs, and limited access to modern educational technology. These challenges can impact students’ ability to experience a safe, innovative, and technology-enabled learning environment.

Recognising the importance of equal educational opportunities, Gunda Power introduced the “From Light to Life” initiative as a long-term social transformation programme that goes beyond solar panel installation. The initiative combines clean energy, educational development, environmental responsibility, and community participation to create sustainable benefits for future generations.

The first school selected under this initiative was R/B Vivegananda School, Nonperiyal, Balangoda, based on its rural location, economic challenges faced by students’ families, and the positive impact that access to clean solar energy could create. The school provides education from Grade 1 to Grade 9 for 38 students (20 boys and 18 girls), supported by 9 teachers and 4 non-academic staff members.

Through the installation of a solar power system, Gunda Power aims to reduce the school’s electricity expenses while improving the educational environment. The project will provide students with better access to digital learning resources, increase awareness of renewable energy, and encourage sustainable practices. By reducing dependence on conventional energy sources, the initiative also contributes to lowering carbon emissions and promoting environmental responsibility among students, teachers, and the wider community.

The vision behind “From Light to Life” is that light represents more than electricity; it represents knowledge, hope, opportunity, and a brighter future. The programme follows the principle:

Social Impact = (Clean Energy + Education Development + Community Participation) x Long Term Sustainability

This approach ensures that each project creates lasting benefits beyond the initial solar installation. Gunda Power aims to empower 10 rural schools by 2030, supporting thousands of students and helping develop environmentally responsible “Green Schools” across Sri Lanka.

Each project begins by identifying schools with the greatest need, assessing their energy requirements, and designing suitable solar solutions. The programme continues with renewable energy awareness, sustainability education, and community involvement to ensure long-term success. All solar systems under this initiative are installed by Sunterra, Gunda Power’s trusted technical partner, ensuring safe, efficient, and high-quality renewable energy solutions.

Through “From Light to Life,” Gunda Power continues to demonstrate that renewable energy is not only about powering schools, but also about empowering children, strengthening communities, protecting the environment, and building a brighter, more sustainable future for Sri Lanka.