Business

Dark side of the energy picture in Sri Lanka

Published

5 years ago

2021/08/22

The “rural energy crisis” has been receiving increasing attention from development policy makers because it affects the very survival of the vast majority of the world’s population, who live in the rural areas of the developing countries, and is also deeply inter-linked with the whole concept of sustainable development. The linkages between rural energy and sustainable development, however, need to be understood in the overall context of the energy situation in the developing countries. This also falls extremely well with SDG 7 of Agenda 2030 as an essential and a vital strategy of achieving the same.

The key message for policymakers is: Give wood energy a fair chance in the energy mix of your country in order to make the world a more sustainable and more environmentally friendly place.

Deviating from the conventional classification of energy as fuel sources which hides many development issues ,the Sri Lanka energy demand can be identified as consisting broadly of two major groups of energy (1) Centralized Commercial Energy consisting of electricity, fossil fuels and commercial renewable energy sources (2) Decentralized non commercial energy consisting of mainly biomass and other indigenous energy resources.

According to Sustainable Energy Authority (SEA) data, the largest component of energy demand in Sri Lanka in 2018 is for biomass energy amounting to 46.2.followed by 41% petroleum and 12.3% electricity (energy balance 2018). Biomass is also the main source of energy in household and industry comprising of 64..9% and 74..7 % respectively which highlights its importance as the life blood of the rural sector comprising of 81% of the total population and the industrial sector.

It is evident that burden of meeting the energy needs of group 1 has been carried out not by the government but by the rural people themselves led by the women to secure the sustenance and the livelihoods of the rural people for which government has not shown any appreciation or any interest. The mundane fact is that 191.4 PJ of energy amounting to 46.2% of the energy mix has never been the concern of the energy sector planning. What matters should not be the type of the energy source or fuel but the energy service provided which are the heat, light, mechanical and digital energy requirements.

While the energy sector should be congratulated for achieving 100% electrification in Sri Lanka which is a remarkable achievement, the present portfolios of Ministries in the energy sector focus only on Petroleum, Power and Renewable Energy Solar, Wind and Hydro Power Generation Projects Development . The major source of noncommercial biomass is overlooked . It is also observed that the term energy has been violated by identifying petroleum under the ministry of energy which is a misnomer which can create contradictions in policy matters as the term energy is used to encompass all energy resources.

The energy sector has incurred Rs 699 billion in foreign exchange almost 32% of the export earnings and an enormous expenditure to maintain a strong organizational infrastructure to cater for the commercial energy needs while neglecting the non commercial energy needs of the rural and estate poor.

This trend of depending on biomass has prevailed through out the last four decades and considering the present inequality in income distribution, it is likely to continue since affordability of modern fuels for the poor will not be a reality in the near future. This is evident from the fact that 30% of poorest get nine percent, the middle 40% get 29% and the richest 30% get 62% of the government income(Central Bank 2017 data) . A World Bank study states, at today’s prices that world LPG prices, regular users of LPG would likely need monthly household income in excess of US$350 and require at least 15 USD/month.

The Role of Liquefied Petroleum Gas in Reducing Energy https://openknowledge.worldbank.org › )

Nevertheless, presently there is a lack of focus on biomass energy by the government particularly due to the need for heavy focus on modern fuels for development of the country In contrast the important role played by biomass energy for the subsistence and economic development in the rural sector is not visible due to the decentralized and noncommercial nature of uncoordinated informal activities consisting of large number of stakeholders in the non-energy sector with a multitude of objectives not directly related to energy per se. Biomass energy is really not produced by the energy sector but a by product of activities carried out by the forestry, agriculture and plantation sectors which is not their main objective thus making biomass no one’s baby.

It is observed that this complication of uncoordinated, informal relationships and lack of insensitivity of the government which have contributed towards lack of governance within the energy sector in Sri Lanka have further isolated the low income rural sector to find their own solutions for survival. Non-cognizance on low-cost, improved biomass solutions has led to a scenario where biomass energy is negatively perceived with detrimental effects on sustainable development. It is totally unwelcoming to see that there is no appropriate mechanism devoted to the management of indigenous energy resources which still serves as the energy backbone of Sri Lanka.

The negative image of biomass, tends to be associated with deforestation, climate change under-development, poverty and negative health effects. This image steers policy makers towards the replacement of biomass by other fuels, instead of improving sustainability of the sector with integrated and holistic approaches.

In spite of the focus on alternatives, it is unlikely that biomass use will decrease in absolute terms over the coming decades. There is no evidence to show that firewood use is contributory factor to deforestation. Main four reasons for deforestation in Sri Lanka are encroachments due to agriculture, gem mining and settlements, infrastructure development projects, commercial agriculture ventures and several localized drivers like cattle grazing, cardamom cultivation and forest fires. (Kariyawasam, Ravindra, and Chinthka Rajapakse).

However, despite of the fact that, firewood is underestimated and ridiculed as a primitive fuel, the use of firewood by a majority of the population of Sri Lanka has not deprived but contributed towards the wellbeing of Sri Lanka in achieving many development indicators in moderation compared to many middle income countries. For an example according to world rankings, Sri Lanka’s rankings are Human Development Index 71, health 48, social capital 33, prosperity 84 and education 62. Moreover, a female born in Sri Lanka can expect to live 80.1 years (despite using firewood for cooking ) as oppose to 79 years in America). Infant Deaths/1000 in Sri Lanka is six, where it is six in America and 27 in India .

In the name of good governance and justice it is high time that the Ministry of Power and Renewable Energy (Sustainable Energy Authority) take action to avoid a looming disaster in the near future due to the informal nature of biomass supply and use of biomass is allowed to continue without inputs from the government which not only create social instability also hamper the efforts of achieving sustainable development goals.

The scope for the government is to facilitate the availability of supply, provide low cost technology support for efficient use by improving access to ventilation and efficient use through improved stoves and mitigate negative impacts on health and climate as alleged by the international community. Nearly eight million tons of firewood is required annually for cooking and livelihoods and four million tons of firewood for the industrial sector. Each house would require nearly two tons/year. Meeting this target would require the coordination and integration of the various stakeholder activities already providing informal facilitation in unofficial ways.

Although negative perceptions of biomass energy are widespread, biomass is not necessarily an unsustainable or backward fuel. Sustainability depends on the practices applied in the value chain; for example forest management techniques and the efficiency of conversion and use. These commonly held misconceptions tend to associate biomass fuels with deforestation, indoor air pollution and underdevelopment.(European Union Energy Initiative and GIZ, Germany ). http://www.euei-pdf.org/fr/node/3880.

In the name of governance in the energy sector in Sri Lanka, the objective of this article is to request the Sustainable Energy Authority which has been given the mandate to promote renewable energy (not only commercial energy) to take the leadership and initiative to invite the relevant stakeholders, donors, NGOs for a consultative meeting with a view to identify stakeholders and cross cutting activities, linkages and capacity and make aware the importance of rural sustainable energy interventions which needs the formation of a network of organizations to be established under the local government ministry facilitated by the sustainable energy authority comprising of specially dedicated staff to biomass energy development.

R.M.Amerasekera. Eng

Executive Director, Integrated Development Association (IDEA)

Energy Advisor to Former Minister of Local Government Admiral Sarath Weerasekara

Project Manager, National Fuel Wood Conservation Programme

Electrical Engineer (Alternative Energy Development Unit, CEB)

Retired Director, Sustainable Energy Authority

Short term Consultant to the UNDP(Sudan), World Bank and FAO

Recipient of First Ever Sri Lanka Energy Efficiency Award(2015), Awarded by HE the President

for bringing sustainable energy solutions to people

Recipient of Mohan Munasingha Award (1985) for Energy Conservation Efforts

Nominee for World Clean Energy Award(2007)

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Business

National Export Development Plan (2026–2030) presented to the President

Published

29 mins ago

2026/06/17

Priyan

Marking an important milestone in Sri Lanka’s economic development, the National Export Development Plan (NEDP) for the period 2026–2030 was presented to President Anura Kumara Dissanayake on Tuesday morning (16) at the Presidential Secretariat.

The 2026–2030 National Export Development Plan (NEDP) is a key national programme formulated in line with the Government’s policy direction under the 2025 Budget. It aims to strengthen the country’s export sector and achieve export-led sustainable economic growth.

The strategic plan has been developed under the guidance of the Ministry of Industry and Entrepreneurship Development and the leadership of the Sri Lanka Export Development Board (EDB), with technical assistance provided through the Asian Development Bank’s (ADB) Policy-Based Lending (PBL) programme. It is the result of an extensive consultative process carried out in close collaboration with key government institutions, private sector stakeholders, and development partners.

The proposal submitted by the Minister of Industry and Entrepreneurship Development to recognise the “Sri Lanka National Export Development Plan 2026–2030” as the official strategic framework for export development and promotion in Sri Lanka was approved by the Cabinet of Ministers on 4 May 2026. The Plan reflects a broad consensus among government institutions, private sector experts, and international development partners.

In line with the national vision of “A Thriving Nation – A Beautiful Life”, the Plan has been formulated to enhance Sri Lanka’s export competitiveness and achieve an export revenue target of USD 36 billion by 2030.

The core vision of the Plan is to transform Sri Lanka into a competitive logistics and knowledge-based export hub serving regional and global markets. The strategy is based on two key interconnected pillars: “horizontals” and “verticals”, which together provide the foundation for strengthening export competitiveness, diversification, and sustainable growth.

The horizontal enablers, which support the growth and expansion of all priority sectors, include logistics and integrated hub operations, trade facilitation, trade finance and reforms in the business and investment environment, trade promotion and market linkages, quality management, standards, environmental, social and governance (ESG) capacity development, as well as entrepreneurship and innovation.

The Plan also identifies eight priority export sectors to enhance export diversification and value addition, and to position Sri Lanka more competitively in global markets. These include automotive components, mineral-based industries, rubber-based industries, maritime industries (including boat and shipbuilding), spices and concentrates, digital products and services, electrical and electronic equipment, and processed food and beverages.

The preparation of the Plan involved contributions from over 300 stakeholders, including government institutions, the private sector, civil society organisations and international development partners. Broad consensus was achieved through consultations held from October to December 2025 and workshops conducted in January 2026.

The Government expects that, with implementation supported by strong governance and monitoring framework, the Plan will elevate local products to international standards and ensure long-term economic stability and growth. It is further anticipated that the National Export Development Plan will serve as a key driver of Sri Lanka’s economic progress in the years ahead.

Minister of Labour and Deputy Minister of Finance and Planning Dr. Anil Jayantha Fernando, Minister of Industry and Entrepreneurship Development Sunil Handunnetti, Senior Additional Secretary to the President and Secretary to the Ministry of Energy Russell Aponso, Secretary to the Ministry of Industry and Entrepreneurship Development Thilaka Jayasundara, and Chairman of the Sri Lanka Export Development Board Mangala Wijesinghe were also present at the event.

[PMD]

Business

UNDP, Central Bank deepen financial literacy drive to build economic resilience

Published

3 hours ago

2026/06/17

Sahan Weerasooriya

Ms. Azusa Kubota and Dr. Nandalal Weerasinghe.

The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) and the Central Bank of Sri Lanka (CBSL) have strengthened their partnership to advance financial literacy across the country, with a renewed focus on empowering vulnerable communities, strengthening economic resilience and promoting sustainable development.

The two institutions formally launched the second phase of their collaboration recently, reaffirming their commitment to implementing Sri Lanka’s National Financial Literacy Roadmap (2024–2028), a cornerstone of the National Financial Inclusion Strategy (NFIS).

The partnership was marked by a meeting between Central Bank Governor Dr. P. Nandalal Weerasinghe and UNDP Resident Representative in Sri Lanka Ms. Azusa Kubota, together with officials from both organisations.

Building on technical support provided by UNDP during 2024 and 2025, the latest phase seeks to equip individuals, households and businesses with the knowledge required to make sound financial decisions, improve livelihoods and enhance resilience in an increasingly uncertain economic and climatic environment.

The initiative comes at a crucial juncture as Sri Lanka continues its economic recovery while grappling with climate-related challenges that disproportionately affect rural communities and small enterprises.

A key component of the programme will be strengthening the capacity of government outreach officers across all districts to deliver financial literacy training to rural populations and micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs).

The training will be based on the Financial Literacy Curriculum developed by the Central Bank, with UNDP supporting the enhancement of modules through the integration of climate-resilient financial management concepts.

The programme aligns closely with Sri Lanka’s Financial Literacy Roadmap and is expected to contribute significantly to improving financial knowledge and access across the country. It is supported by several development and private-sector partners, including the government of Japan, Chrysalis, VISA and Hirdaramani-Lacoste.

Speaking on the importance of the initiative, Central Bank Governor Dr. Weerasinghe said the partnership would help broaden the reach of financial literacy efforts while addressing emerging challenges such as climate-related financial risks.

“We particularly welcome the focus on strengthening financial resilience, climate-related financial preparedness, public awareness campaigns and capacity-building through Training-of-Trainers programmes, he said.

He noted that the initiatives would ensure that different segments of society gain access to practical financial knowledge and develop the skills necessary to foster responsible financial behaviour and improve their overall financial well-being.

UNDP Resident Representative Ms. Kubota underscored the critical role financial literacy plays in creating inclusive and resilient economies.

“Financial literacy is a critical foundation for inclusive and resilient economies. Through our partnership with the Central Bank of Sri Lanka, we have been working to empower individuals, particularly those most vulnerable, with the knowledge and tools needed to make informed financial decisions and build secure livelihoods, she said.

By Ifham Nizam

Business

Handunnetti unveils state-led mineral strategy to unlock hidden wealth

Published

3 hours ago

2026/06/17

Sahan Weerasooriya

Sunil Handunnetti

The government’s decision to ban the export of mineral resources in raw form and place all future mineral exploration under state control has triggered fresh debate over how Sri Lanka should develop its untapped mineral wealth and attract foreign investment.

Announcing the new National Mineral Policy, Industry and Entrepreneurship Development Minister Sunil Handunnetti said the country had long failed to capture the full value of its mineral resources by exporting them with minimal processing.

“We will no longer allow mineral resources to leave the country in raw form,” the minister said, arguing that Sri Lanka must move towards value-added industries that generate greater economic returns.

A key feature of the new policy is the transfer of all mineral exploration activities to the state-run Geological Survey and Mines Bureau (GSMB). Under the new system, the GSMB will carry out exploration, publish geological data and subsequently invite investors to participate in commercially viable projects.

Handunnetti defended the move by citing what he described as the failure of the previous licensing regime. According to government figures, 471 exploration licences had been issued since 1993, but only 28 advanced to mining operations, with just 12 remaining active today. The minister alleged that some companies had used exploration licences to boost corporate valuations rather than develop actual mining projects.

He also stressed that mineral deposits located beneath privately owned land belong to the state and should be developed in the national interest.

However, the reforms are likely to attract close scrutiny from foreign investors seeking opportunities in Sri Lanka’s mineral sector.

An independent industry analyst said the policy’s emphasis on value addition is consistent with global trends, as countries increasingly seek to process critical minerals domestically rather than export raw materials.

“The more difficult question is whether a state-controlled exploration model can generate the confidence required by international investors,” the analyst said. “Investors will want access to reliable geological data, transparent licensing procedures and predictable regulations before committing significant capital.”

The analyst noted that the government’s plan to publish exploration data before inviting investment proposals could help improve transparency, but its success would depend on how scientifically the process is implemented.

Sri Lanka possesses commercially valuable deposits of graphite, mineral sands, ilmenite, rutile, garnet, silica and phosphate. As global demand for industrial and strategic minerals continues to grow, the new policy represents a significant test of whether stronger state involvement can translate geological potential into investment, industrial development and export earnings.

“The success of the strategy may ultimately depend on whether the government can balance tighter control over mineral resources with the policy certainty and commercial incentives that international investors typically seek,” the analyst said.

By Sanath Nanayakkare