Practical Action has been working in south Asia since 1979. Offices were established in Sri Lanka in 1989 and Nepal in 1998.

Nepal

Practical Action (then Intermediate Technology) started its work in Nepal in 1979. For almost two decades Practical Action was mainly involved in micro-hydro sector by developing and transferring technologies, building the capabilities of local manufacturers, imparting knowledge and skills to the rural entrepreneurs, and advocating for appropriate policies and institutions.

After the establishment of the Country Office in 1998, Practical Action Nepal diversified its activities in the energy programme from micro-hydro to other forms of renewable energy and expanded into the new technology areas of agro-processing, rural transport and disaster management.

Sri Lanka

In 2014 the Sri Lanka office was closed and responsibility for continuing work in that country passed to the main South Asia office in Nepal. An successor organisation, Janathakshan, was created to continue Practical Action's legacy in Sri Lanka.

Janathakshan will continue demonstrate viable technology based approaches to poverty reduction on the ground through innovative projects, generating knowledge to share, network and be a strong advocate at the national level and beyond.

Website: www.janathakshan.net