The National Patriotic Front (NPF) has said the NPP government owes the public an explanation regarding the status of negotiations with Russia to secure energy supplies.

NPF General Secretary Dr. Wasantha Bandara said that Sri Lanka was in such a desperate situation, the current dispensation couldn’t, under any circumstances, miss the opportunity to reach consensus with Russia in this regard.

Dr. Bandara was responding to The Island query in the wake of the NPF, in a letter, dated 27 April, warning President Anura Kumara Dissanayake of the catastrophic consequences for the country if it failed to obtain energy supplies on affordable terms.

Alleging that various interested parties, within the government, and the Western diplomatic community, hindered the successful conclusion of an agreement/agreements between Sri Lanka and Russia, Dr. Bandara pointed out that those in authority seemed to have conveniently forgotten that Sri Lanka received two Russian delegations. In late March and early April 2026, Russian Deputy Energy Minister Roman Marshavin and Deputy Foreign Minister Andrey Rudenko, visited Colombo where the focus was on long-term fuel supplies, investment, and tourism.

Dr. Bandara said that Anura Karunatilleke, who succeeded Energy Minister Kumara Jayakody, embroiled in the coal scam, was yet to meet the Russian Ambassador in Colombo Levan Dzhagaryan, who wants to explore ways and means of expediting the process. Instead,

British High Commissioner Andrew Patrick meets Energy Minister
Karunatilleke and Deputy Civil Aviation Minister Janaka Ruwan Kodithuwakku

Karunatilleke and Deputy Civil Aviation Minister Janaka Ruwan Kodithuwakku recently met British High Commissioner Andrew Patrick, Dr Bandara said. Referring to BHC post that they discussed how Sri Lanka could maximise its ports and airports, including through existing and new UK partnerships, alongside UK support for green energy, particularly offshore wind, Dr. Bandara emphasised that the UK and EU struggling to meet their own energy demands couldn’t help Sri Lanka.

In the NPF letter to President Dissanayake, Dr. Bandara alleged that Sri Lanka could secure a barrel of Russian crude for USD 150 to 160 whereas procurement through India cost a lot more. The NPF emphasised the responsibility on the part of the NPP government to maintain close relations with China, Russia and Iran, Sri Lanka’s long-time friends.

The NPF has urged President Dissanayake to intervene without further delay to ensure national interest in this matter is given utmost importance.

Dr. Bandara pointed out that those in charge of coal procurement told a parliamentary committee how the trouble started after Sri Lanka moved from Russian coal to South African products through disgraced Indian firm Trident Chemphar Ltd. Dr. Bandara asserted that political parties, represented in Parliament, should take up this matter vigorously and shouldn’t be distracted by vile NPP strategies.

By Shamindra Ferdinando

The US Embassy in Sri Lanka, on April 26, celebrated the 15th anniversary of American Corner Jaffna (ACJ), highlighting its longstanding role in connecting communities in Northern Sri Lanka with the United States through programmes focused on education, innovation, and American values. The Embassy also inaugurated the new “Freedom 250 Pavilion,” part of the global Freedom 250 initiative commemorating 250 years of American independence, the Embassy said in a press release issued yesterday (27)

Speaking at the event, US Embassy Public Affairs Officer Menaka Nayyar said: “American Corner Jaffna reflects the United States’ commitment to sharing American values, culture, and ideas with the people of Northern Sri Lanka. On July 4, 2026, the United States will celebrate 250 years of independence—a milestone that highlights our founding ideals and partnerships around the world, including here in Jaffna. Through the new Freedom 250 Pavilion and our programs, we invite the community to engage with the United States and learn more about our history, society, and innovation.”

In 2025 alone, ACJ hosted nearly 400 programmes, reaching more than 10,000 participants. Located at No. 23, Athiyady Road, Nallur, Jaffna, American Corner Jaffna provides free access to resources on the United States, English language learning, educational advising, and skills-based programming.

Established in 2011, in partnership with the Jaffna Social Action Centre, American Corner Jaffna was created as a platform for direct engagement with local communities—offering opportunities to learn about the United States while building skills in critical thinking, leadership, and innovation.

Launched in the post-conflict period, the Corner has played a key role in connecting emerging leaders in Northern Sri Lanka with ideas, resources, and opportunities rooted in American experience and perspectives. The Freedom 250 Pavilion expands ACJ’s capacity to host interactive programmes and community events, reinforcing the Corner’s role as a dynamic space for collaboration, dialogue, and learning.

Individuals can take part in free programmes by visiting American Corner Jaffna in person, contacting the Corner at 021 222 0665 or via email at info@americancornerjaffna.com, and following American Corner Jaffna on Facebook (facebook.com/amcornerjaffna) for the latest updates on events, registration, and membership opportunities.

Rooftop solar power in Sri Lanka has reached a critical turning point as the country responds to the combined pressures of the economic crisis, rising electricity tariffs and national climate commitments. What was once considered an optional investment for affluent households is increasingly becoming a practical solution for ordinary consumers, businesses and industries seeking lower energy costs and greater independence from the national grid.

A former General Manager of the Ceylon Electricity Board observed that repeated tariff increases by the CEB and LECO have significantly accelerated public interest in rooftop solar systems.

According to him, many consumers now view solar power not as a luxury, but as a safeguard against future electricity price hikes and supply uncertainties.

The 2022 fuel shortage and prolonged power cuts further changed public attitudes toward electricity generation. Thousands of Sri Lankans began to recognise the value of producing power at home, while companies and hotels turned to large-scale rooftop solar systems to reduce overheads and improve their environmental image.

Sri Lanka currently supports rooftop solar through several policy mechanisms. Under net metering, surplus electricity generated by a household or business is exported to the grid in exchange for credits on the monthly bill. Net accounting allows credits to be carried forward, while the net plus scheme enables users to sell all electricity generated to the national grid at an approved tariff. These schemes have played an important role in encouraging private investment in renewable energy.

However, the sector still faces major constraints. The initial installation cost remains high for many middle-income families despite the long-term financial benefits. In addition, parts of Sri Lanka’s electricity distribution network are outdated, and transformers in certain areas cannot absorb large volumes of surplus solar energy. Lengthy approval procedures and delays in finalising agreements with utility providers have also discouraged prospective users.

Looking ahead, rooftop solar is expected to become a key pillar of Sri Lanka’s plan to generate 70 percent of its electricity from renewable sources by 2030. Energy experts believe the next stage of development will involve hybrid systems that combine solar panels with battery storage. As lithium-ion battery prices continue to fall globally, more households and businesses are likely to store daytime solar energy for use at night or during power interruptions.

Commercial users are also expected to adopt battery systems to reduce peak-hour electricity consumption and lower operating costs. At the same time, banks may expand green financing schemes to make solar systems more affordable, while private companies could introduce power purchase agreement models that allow consumers to install systems with little or no upfront investment.

The future of rooftop solar will also depend on the emergence of smarter electricity networks. Digital meters and real-time monitoring systems could improve efficiency, while peer-to-peer energy trading may eventually allow households with excess electricity to sell directly to nearby consumers.

The former CEB General Manager said Sri Lanka now has a rare opportunity to transform its energy sector through distributed generation.

He stressed that if administrative procedures are simplified and the national grid is modernised, rooftop solar could become the main source of electricity for millions of Sri Lankans rather than a limited alternative for a few.

By Ifham Nizam