Business

Smart technologies and innovative solutions seen as vital to SL’s stepped-up solar power capability

Published

2 years ago

2024/09/17

Sahan Weerasooriya

Key dignitaries at the solar energy event.

By Ifham Nizam

Sri Lanka has achieved much in the solar energy industry sphere. However, the challenges lie ahead, said Prof. Asanka Rodrigo, electrical engineering expert from the University of Moratuwa. ‘As the country moves towards a future powered by renewable energy, smart technologies and innovative solutions will be key to ensuring that solar power plays a central role in its energy transition, he explained.

‘With a commitment to sustainability and collaboration between academia, industry, and government, Sri Lanka is well on its way to a brighter, greener future, Rodrigo said.

Speaking at the merger which took place at the Hilton Residences in Colombo, last week, between EPPC and SunGro, two leading brands in the solar industry, Rodrigo, a long-time academic and industry expert, stressed Sri Lanka’s growing commitment to renewable energy, particularly solar power and outlined the country’s ambitious targets for the future.

Rodrigo added: ‘Sri Lanka has committed to achieving net-zero carbon emissions by 2050, with a firm goal of sourcing 70% of its energy from renewable resources by 2030. Solar energy is a central part of this transition. There has been significant growth in solar power generation over the past decade.

‘Sri Lanka’s commercial solar power generation began modestly with off-grid systems in the 1980s. The introduction of the “mid-metering” scheme in 2009 marked the beginning of a rapid expansion in the industry. By 2016, Sri Lanka had only achieved 30 MW of solar capacity, but government initiatives, such as the “Surya Bala Sangramaya,” accelerated this growth. Targets of 200 MW by 2020 and 1,000 MW by 2025 were set and Sri Lanka has already surpassed these milestones, achieving 1 GW of solar capacity by July 2024.

‘The next phase of growth would be far more ambitious. By 2030, Sri Lanka aims to have 4,700 MW of solar power, more than four times its current capacity. This would require an annual increase of 500–600 MW, which, while challenging, is achievable if the industry continues to grow at its current pace.

‘To meet this target, the solar sector will need to diversify and expand in three main areas:

‘Solar rooftops: A growing segment in the residential and commercial sectors.

‘Ground-mounted projects: Large-scale installations producing 50 MW, 100 MW, or more, with some projects even aiming for 700 MW.

‘Floating solar projects: An emerging field, with pilot projects already underway in Hambantota, utilizing underused lakes and reservoirs.

‘Standards such as BS 7671 and IEC have adapted to these changes. The new generation of solar installations must consider complexities like multidirectional power flow, battery storage, electric vehicle (EV) chargers and advanced communication systems. Additionally, hybrid systems combining solar power with battery banks and grid connectivity are becoming more common and inverters are being classified as grid-forming or grid-following, reflecting their increasing complexity.

‘As solar energy systems become more integrated with the grid, new protection mechanisms are required to ensure safety and efficiency. For instance, anti-islanding protections, low voltage ride-through (LVRT) and other fault response technologies are essential to maintain grid stability.

‘Proper planning and technical expertise is essential in meeting Sri Lanka’s ambitious solar targets. While the challenges are significant, advancements in technology, coupled with government support and industry collaboration, can help the country achieve its renewable energy goals and create a more sustainable future.’

From E.B. Creasy Solar were S.D.R Arudpragasam, chairman, Sanjeev Rajaratnam, Managing Director, Isuru Lekamge, Chief Operating Officer, Eksath de Alwis, Sales Manager and Howard Fu, Director of SUNGROW Power Supply Co., Ltd was also in attendance with the SUNGROW team.

The event also saw the participation of key figures from Sri Lanka’s energy industry, including, Ranjith Sepala, chairman, Sri Lanka Sustainable Energy Authority (SLSEA) and Nalinda Ilangakoon, chairman, Ceylon Electricity Board. Additionally, SLSEA-registered solar PV service providers were present, to mark this significant milestone for the industry.

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Business

ADB approves $100 million loan to boost skills development and jobs for youth in Sri Lanka

Published

22 hours ago

2026/10/2

Thilina Walpola

The Asian Development Bank (ADB) has approved a $100 million results-based loan to help Sri Lanka transform its technical and vocational education and training (TVET) system, equip more young people with industry-relevant skills, and strengthen the country’s competitiveness and inclusive growth.

The Skills Development System Transformation Program will support the Government of Sri Lanka’s efforts in improving the quality and relevance of skills training, strengthening links between training providers and industries, and expanding employment opportunities for youth. The program will increase women’s employment opportunities in nontraditional jobs in fields including automotive technology, engineering, information and communications technology, construction, and renewable energy.

“A skilled workforce is essential to Sri Lanka’s long-term economic transformation and competitiveness,” said ADB Country Director for Sri Lanka Shannon Cowlin. “This program will help create stronger pathways from education to employment by making training more responsive to industry needs, expanding opportunities for young people and women, and ensuring that graduates have the skills required by a modern and evolving economy.”

Though Sri Lanka’s economy is recovering, it faces skills shortages in priority sectors, high youth unemployment, and low female labor force participation. Many employers report difficulty finding workers with the skills needed in a changing economy.

Aligned with the Government of Sri Lanka’s Technical and Vocational Education and Training Sector Strategic Framework 2026–2035, the nationwide program will be implemented from 2027 to 2031 and is expected to directly benefit more than 100,000 young people through improved access to quality, employment-oriented training.

Business

USD 40.84m pipeline to secure aviation fuel supplies to BIA

Published

22 hours ago

2026/10/2

Thilina Walpola

By Ifham Nizam

The government has cleared a USD 40.84 million and Rs. 8,548.75 million contract to build a dedicated aviation fuel pipeline from Muthurajawela to Bandaranaike International Airport (BIA), alongside a massive new fuel storage facility with a capacity of 92,000 cubic metres.

Energy Minister Anura Karunatilaka said the project represented a major investment in strengthening the infrastructure underpinning Sri Lanka’s aviation fuel supply and ensuring more reliable fuel availability at the country’s main international airport.

‘This project will provide the infrastructure required to strengthen the reliability and continuity of aviation fuel supplies to Bandaranaike International Airport, Karunatilaka said.

The contract has been awarded to China Petroleum Pipeline Engineering Company Limited, following an international competitive procurement process in which three bids were received.

The project will see a new aviation fuel storage tank complex constructed at Muthurajawela, together with the associated infrastructure required for handling and transferring aviation fuel.

Business

CSE activity up, turnover weak at Rs. 1.4 billion

Published

22 hours ago

2026/10/2

Thilina Walpola

By Hiran H Senewiratne

Trading activity on the Colombo Stock Exchange (CSE) gathered pace yesterday as global fuel prices began to show signs of easing, according to market analysts.In this context, both indices moved upwards. All Share Price Index up by 67.97 points while S and P SL20 up by 8.30 points.

Turnover stood at Rs 1.4 billion with seven crossings. Those crossings were reported in Sampath Bank 1.7 million shares crossed to the tune of Rs 238 million and its share price traded at Rs 140, Access Engineering two million shares crossed to the tune of Rs 159 million and its share price traded at Rs 79.50, LOLC one million shares crossed to the tune of Rs 129 million and its share price traded at Rs 129, HNB 100,000 shares crossed to the tune of Rs 38.4 million and its share price traded at Rs 384, JKH 1.9 million shares crossed to the tune of Rs 35 million and its share price traded at Rs 18.60, Hayleys 100,000 shares crossed to the tune of Rs 22.50 million and its share price traded at Rs 225 and Richard Pieris 847,000 shares crossed to the tune of Rs 22 million and its share price traded at Rs 25.50.

In the retail market top seven companies that have mainly contributed to the turnover were Sampath Bank Rs 114 million (813,000 shares traded), JKH Rs 100 million (5.3 million shares traded) LB Finance Rs 49 million (325,000 shares traded), HNB Finance Rs 30 million (27 million shares traded), HNB Rs 27 million (70000 shares traded), NTB Rs 25 million (82000 shares traded ) and Lanka IOC Rs 21 million (666,000 shares traded). During the day 65 million shares volumes changed hands in 10433 transactions.

The Banking and manufacturing sector counters performed well. In the banking sector Sampath Bank let the market while manufacturing sector especially JKH also significantly performed well. With the fuel revision Land IOC also a significant stock at the floor.

Meanwhile, First Capital Treasuries said that Ramesh Schaffter resigned as a Non-Independent Non-Executive Director with effect from October 1, to facilitate the restructuring of the company’s board.

Yesterday the Central Bank announced the US Dollar rate as against rupee. The rupee was quoted flat at Rs 330.65/80 to the US dollar in the spot market , while bond yields dropped, dealers said.