Sri Lanka has become the first country in South Asia to introduce a hybrid solar bakery oven powered by both solar energy and biogas, enabling continuous operation even during unfavorable weather conditions.
The launch event was held on May 22 at Cinnamon Lakeside Colombo and organized by Incitare Sri Lanka and the Global Rethinking Finance Collaborative (GRFC), in partnership with German Tech Kilinochchi. The ceremony was attended by Olivier Praz, Deputy Head of Mission at the Embassy of Switzerland to Sri Lanka and the Maldives, and Fabio Germano, Representative of GIZ Sri Lanka.
The initiative represents South Asia’s first deployment of this European clean-energy baking technology, replacing fossil fuel–based systems with solar and biogas alternatives while promoting sustainable livelihoods and supporting multiple UN Sustainable Development Goals.
Incitare International and GRFC Founder and CEO Beris Gwynne stated that the hybrid solar oven has strong potential for use in communities, bakeries, eco-tourism businesses, and training institutions, helping reduce carbon emissions, lower import dependence, and potentially create new export opportunities.
Incitare International Sri Lanka Country Director Cheryl Arndt noted that the project reflects years of collaborative effort among communities and partners committed to driving change through action rather than waiting for it.
GIZ Sri Lanka Representative Fabio Germano highlighted the partnership between Incitare International, GIZ Sri Lanka, and the Sri Lanka–German Technical Training Institute (SLGTTI) in Kilinochchi, describing the completion of the project as a rewarding milestone after months of development.
During the event, certificates were presented to teams from German Tech Kilinochchi and Incitare Sri Lanka in recognition of their contribution to developing the project from concept to operational stage.
Olivier Praz also noted that solar energy usage in Sri Lanka remains relatively low, accounting for less than 12 percent of the energy mix over the past few years, compared to more established sources such as hydropower and coal.
NCE urges clear timeline as Sri Lanka’s Madrid Protocol accession advances through legislative phase
The National Chamber of Exporters of Sri Lanka (NCE) is closely tracking Sri Lanka’s progress toward accession to the Madrid Protocol, which would provide local businesses access to a streamlined global trademark registration system covering more than 100 economies. As of 2025, Madrid System members account for 68% of all countries worldwide.
According to the NCE’s latest communication with the National Intellectual Property Office (NIPO), the accession process is currently at the legislative stage. The Legal Draftsman’s Department is finalizing the required statutory amendments for Sri Lanka to formally join the Protocol. Once submitted to NIPO, the draft will proceed through the formal amendment process, followed by the development of a comprehensive action plan and a definitive accession timeline.
This builds on earlier commitments made during a meeting with the Minister of Trade, where NIPO agreed to prepare a strategic action plan aimed at completing the accession within six to nine months. The NCE has since reiterated its request for a clear roadmap and has sought a tentative timeline aligned with that original directive, noting that exporters need certainty to effectively plan international branding and trademark protection strategies.
Meanwhile, the NCE is engaging with sectoral representatives and gathering cost data from member companies on expenses related to overseas trademark registrations, as part of its broader advocacy efforts to support the implementation process.
In 2025, an estimated 64,150 international trademark applications were filed through the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO) Madrid System, with Asia contributing around 25.6% of total filings.
Among leading global users of the system are L’Oréal (France), followed by Light & Wonder (United States), Krka (Slovenia), Huawei Technologies (China), and Merck Sharp & Dohme (Netherlands).
The Madrid Protocol enables a more efficient and cost-effective trademark registration process through a single application filed via Sri Lanka’s Intellectual Property Office, allowing protection to be sought across multiple member countries simultaneously. Fees are typically paid in Swiss francs, with a basic application fee of approximately USD 827 for black-and-white marks and around USD 1,143 for colour marks. Additional costs include complementary or individual fees of roughly USD 127 per designated member country and per class, depending on the applicable fee structure.
Sri Lanka launches South Asia’s first solar-powered bakery oven
