The International Solar Alliance (ISA) is undertaking a high-level mission to Sri Lanka from 6 to 9 April 2026, led by Director General Ashish Khanna, to advance the operationalisation of the ISA–Sri Lanka Country Partnership Strategy (CPS) and accelerate the country’s solar deployment agenda.

The text of ISA statement: “The mission focuses on four key outcomes: formal endorsement of the CPS, signing of a Memorandum of Understanding to establish a Solar Technology Application Resource Centre (STAR-C) at the University of Moratuwa, high-level bilateral engagements with government and development partners focusing on initial support on digital tool for streamlining approval process, support on integration of battery storage and policy and regulatory reforms, along with a dedicated Floating Solar Workshop to advance project readiness.

Sri Lanka’s energy sector is undergoing a structural transition. Installed solar capacity has crossed 1 GW, with a pipeline of over 4 GW identified under the Renewable Energy Project Development Plan (REPDP 2025–2030). Accelerated solar deployment is expected to deliver nearly 75% of national emissions reductions under NDC 3.0 (2026–2035), while reducing fiscal exposure to imported fossil fuels especially under the current global scenario, making timely implementation a national priority.

The ISA–Sri Lanka Country Partnership Framework (CPF), signed at the Asia Pacific Regional Committee Meeting 2025 in Colombo in the presence of Prime Minister Harini Amarasuriya, laid the foundation for long-term collaboration. Building on this, the CPS, developed through extensive technical consultations, including ISA’s technical mission in November 2025, translates Sri Lanka’s REPDP targets and climate commitments into a results-oriented, multi-year implementation roadmap spanning policy reform, project development, capacity building, and investment facilitation.

Underscoring the significance of the mission, Minister of Energy Kumara Jayakody said: “Sri Lanka’s energy transition is well underway, and ISA has been a key partner in this journey. The CPS provides clarity across the solar value chain from policy and regulation to project development, capacity building, and investment mobilisation. This mission is delivering tangible outcomes, including CPS endorsement, alignment on our National Solar Energy Roadmap, BESS priorities, and digital approval processes, while advancing catalytic finance pathways.”

Highlighting ISA’s approach, Director General, ISA Ashish Khanna stated: “The ISA–Sri Lanka partnership is anchored in Sri Lanka’s vision of 4 GW of Renewable Energy by 2030, where the current high global prices of fossil fuels demand acceleration of electrification of economy through renewable energy as part of energy security for Sri Lanka. ISA brings global technical expertise, partnership on institutional strengthening, and use of catalytic tools for accelerating private financing. The STAR-C at the University of Moratuwa is a landmark initiative that will strengthen domestic research, testing, and skills for creation of jobs along with solar deployment at scale. Together with the CPS and the growing project pipeline under REPDP 2025–2030, this mission marks a decisive shift from ambition to implementation.”

The three-day mission includes engagements with the Ministry of Energy, utilities, regulators, and development partners, including the Asian Development Bank and the World Bank, to advance project pipelines, financing pathways, and institutional coordination.

Customs officers yesterday (07) thwarted an attempt made by four persons, including a woman, to smuggle in a consignment of medicines worth about Rs. 10 mn via the Bandaranaike International Airport.

They were arrested while leaving the airport through the green channel.

The suspects, all residents of Colombo, arrived from Bangalore, India.

Customs officers found a stock of medicines, including injections, tablets, capsules, and ointments, concealed in eight suitcases carried by the suspects, officials said.

Investigations revealed that the medicines had not been declared to Customs and were brought into the country without the required approvals from the Ministry of Health and the National Medicines Regulatory Authority (NMRA).

Andre Fernando, recently assumed duties as the Chairman of the Sri Lanka Logistics and Freight Forwarders Association (SLFFA).

A well known corporate leader, Fernando, who previously served as Vice Chairman of SLFFA, brings more than three decades of experience in the logistics and supply chain industry to his new role.

Fernando said that it is with great honour and a deep sense of responsibility that he assumes duties as Chairman of the Sri Lanka Logistics and Freight Forwarders Association. He is grateful for the confidence placed in him by the members and looks forward to serving the Association and the wider logistics community during this important phase of growth and transformation of the industry.

He noted that Sri Lanka’s logistics and freight forwarding sector plays a critical role in facilitating international trade and supporting the national economy. Fernando emphasised the importance of strengthening industry capabilities, embracing technological innovation, and maintaining high professional standards to ensure global competitiveness.

The global logistics sector is currently experiencing rapid transformation driven by digitalization, technological innovation, and evolving supply chain demands. As such, the new Chairman highlighted the importance of adopting modern logistics technologies, enhancing operational efficiency, and investing in industry talent to ensure Sri Lanka remains competitive in the global trade environment.